Master, bless.
It is simple, to be silent. It is simple, to be content.
Someone once asked Father Symeon how to cease from repeating a harmful action. He replied, "Just stop doing it."
This requires discipline, forbearance and most of all, prayer. It is important to set aside time for a rule of prayer, but prayer is a way of life. It encompasses one's entire being. It is a disposition of the heart, mind and body. Prayer is listening to the voice of the Spirit, and obeying it. Prayer is worship and communion with God.
Requests are uttered with the assurance that God will answer in the manner that will be of most benefit; often this occurs not as we would have anticipated or hoped. However, in time God's loving wisdom is revealed and the soul rejoices gratefully. So prayer becomes a letting go of human expectations and matures into complete trust in God. This is what I mean by silence and contentment.
But silence also means to refrain from speech. I have frequently found myself incapable of keeping my mouth shut, and almost invariably my weakness has led to hardship. I have come to the conclusion that, more often than not, an irrepressible urge to speak hides naught but an unholy need to be correct. Or noticed. Or praised. The lips are also keen to pronounce judgements: behold how much darkness remains in my heart.
I have faith that the Lord will deliver me. I shall bend my will to His, and He will have compassion upon me.
"The first gate of entry to the noetic Jerusalem -that is, to attentiveness of the intellect- is the deliberate silencing of your tongue, even though the intellect itself may not yet be still."
~The Philokalia, Volume Three
I wish to train myself to gaze steadfastly upon the Other. Thus my joy will be limitless, my peace unsurpassed.
Nothing has to be complicated, though paradox lies at the center of authentic understanding.
My heart is not proud, O Lord,
my eyes are not haughty;
I do not concern myself with great matters
or things too wonderful for me.
~Psalm 131:1
I have sought your face with all my heart;
be gracious to me according to your promise.
I have considered my ways
and have turned my steps to your statutes.
~Psalm 119:58-59
Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you;
love her, and she will watch over you.
Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom.
Though it cost all you have, get understanding.
Esteem her, and she will exalt you;
embrace her, and she will honor you.
~Proverbs 4:6-8
