The noisy silence

Spending extended periods in silence, gives rise to different things.  There is something rather special about coming into silence, particularly whilst remaining around other people, sharing a silence, and the commitment thereto.  For me, it can often also serve as a reminder of the noise in my mind, the crashing and banging as my crowded thoughts jostle for space and priority.  Slowing down, and consciously attempting to bring stillness within can often have the opposite effect, at least for a period, and I have been reminded over the past few days of the importance of welcoming whatever it is that I happen to come across in my endeavours.