Mirjam van der Vegt - Stilte: The Dutch Art of Quietude

Shush; you have opened a book on silence. Its a shame, really, to write words on these pristine pages, for by doing so, I break the silence. Still, the letters are slowly filling this page, as I want to share with you the value of quiet in everyday life. I was deeply moved by silence, or, more particularly, by the One who speaks to us in silence, more than you could ever imagine. You know, I am a real busy bee, ambitious and moving here, there, and everywhere. Then, suddenly, I was brought to a stop in the middle of my hectic life, only to discover: There is moreso much more. Encountering this quietude, I discovered the full life! You will read more about this treasure hidden in silence in the Introduction that follows.

Ever since the discovery of that treasure, I set out in search of ways to make slowing down a part of my life. Following the publication of my first novel, Shadow Flight, I started organizing meetings called Evenings of Silence. Together with a musical friend, I toured the Netherlands as we hosted evenings filled with quiet, calming piano music and exercises in silence. How silence affected people! We were often asked, But how am I going to put this into practice at home, this cultivating of silence? Forty varied Keys on how to let life be are presented in this book.

Silence is crucial to understanding life itself. I am weary of words. Let life just breathe, keep your mouth shut for once, let life be. The Dutch word tegen-woordig [present] is literally translated as against words. It has taken on a different meaning for me: Sometimes life goes against all words, it needs no words, it surpasses all words. That is when I remain silent.

Daniel van Santvoort, abbot of the Cistercians of Caldey Island

Before you read on, heres a little test. If you answer yes to more than one of the following questions, this book is definitely for you.

Are you a true multitasker? Is this you: While talking on the phone I do other things at the same time. I watch the news and combine it with, say, making sandwiches.

Do you often compare yourself to others?

Are you quick to judge others or yourself?

Do you feel judged by others and are you often troubled by feelings of guilt?

Do you dislike airy silences and does the word meditation get on your nerves? Is your motto levelheadedness and working hard?

Do you long for silence and quietness, and do others misunderstand this desire?

Do you often think: How much longer do I need to carry on like this?

Have your prayers to God turned into short prayers between daily activities, like they are literally squeezed in?

Do you often tell yourself, I should go on a retreat if only I had the time?

Would one hour of quietude and room in your busy, hectic life make you happy?

Are you more aware of the time you dont have than of the time you do have?

I wonder if you will read on. It takes courage to do so. Initially, silence is gratifying, but our relationship with silence can come to seem like a confrontation. So much so that people flee from it. Silence may seem boring, but it is very dynamic indeed. Silence may enable people to make big and small decisions that they didnt get around to before. An ambitious young man decided to devote his entire life to God, and he entered a monastery after having spent forty days as a retreatant at that monastery. A woman who had been abused experienced Gods presence during a retreat. She was able to acknowledge her pain because she felt heard by God. After that, she was able to forgive the offender. An elderly woman dared to tell her mother no for the first time ever, setting her own boundaries. And, personally, after a period of experiencing stagnation, I dared to quit my steady job in the midst of an economic crisis. One week after that, my husband lost his job, so we faced an insecure future. But it all felt goodalthough everything surrounding us didnt seem right. Standing firm amidst chaos when grounded in silencethat is the fruit of silence. People prove able to make tough choices after descending the three steps of silence, which you will read more about in the Introduction. The descent of silence ends in your hearta heart in which Jesus welcomes you to join with Him. To come home. To enjoy the love that He feels for you. A heart created by God, in which He longs to dwell, but that you easily rush past. Sound familiar? Maybe He is already waiting there for you to come aroundwaiting until you descend a few steps and say, I am tired. I am looking for peace and quiet, and I cant do it on my own anymore.

Christians and nonbelievers alike are looking for inner peace. I once interviewed Dennis van der Geest, the Dutch world judo champion who won a bronze medal at the 2004 Summer Olympics. With great passion, he told me about his abundant life that he enjoyed to the full. When asked, What would be the greatest thing that could ever happen to you? he remained silent for quite a while. From that silence arose the following reply: I would want to possess inner peace to enjoy my children growing up, without wanting to take part in a world of hurry and competition. Laughing, he added, But I dont have time for that right now.