Silence - The Inner Life - December 5, 2024

Father Eric Nielsen joins Patrick to discuss Silence Why is silence important? (11:41) Vince - What is the connection between silence and Eucharistic adoration.  It seems like every time I try to be in silence, I'm distracted. Marylou - It’s my middle name! I had a Carmelite spiritual director.  I told him I felt like crying during contemplative prayer. He said it's like driving down a 2 lane road with things in the back. When you put the brakes on, everything comes to the front.  I thought it was a beautiful metaphor. (23:37) Break 1 Why do we tend to reject silence in our lives? (28:21) John - Balance between going out and building skill sets and achieving that silence in daily living.  Hobbies - you get adrenaline rushes over certain hobbies.  What is the proper balance between this and contemplation? (35:39) Break 2 Patrick shares several emails asking about silence (39:59) what are some good practical ways to develop silence in our life? Grace - I worked in healthcare for 40 years. When you're working in that field, you have to do everything in succession.  I started going to church after retiring.  I started counting due to what I was used to.  Moved to the front row to remove that distraction.  I have a prayer book that is marked up and it's my workbook.