3 minutes...

I was watching a TED Talk (I only listened to the first one of the playlist) this morning, and one thing the speaker encouraged his listeners to do is to spend 3 minutes in silence each day. (But if you can't have silence, have quiet - that works too.) Really, 3 minutes is not that much time, but there is something to be said for it.

In our society and in our homes (and schools, etc.) it seems that every moment is being filled with some kind of noise or attention or conversation or television program. It almost seems that if you're silent (for an extended period of time) something must be wrong with you. Trust me, my students think sitting in silence is a punishment - "think time" becomes torture for some. I just don't get it...

Being a teacher, I've learned to appreciate the silence. Being in a big city, I've learned to appreciate the silence. Being a constant on-the-go young adult, I've learned to appreciate the silence.

How do I find silence? It's hard when I'm surrounded by kids and co-workers all day, and it's hard when I come home to an apartment with roommates. It's hard to find silence when I hang out around town or go to a function at Church or with friends. But I get up earlier than I need to so that I may sit with my cup of coffee and the prayers in my heart and just be.

Yes, in the wee small hours of the morning, when the whole wide world is fast asleep...that's when I find the silence. That's when I feel closest to God. That's when I'm a good "listener" and when I can get recharged for the day.

What about you? How do you find your silence?