True silence isn't an exercise in remaining quiet but the art of listening. Anyone can remain quiet but the power of silence lies in listening not speaking.

I want to confess a sleight-of-hand use by my soul to get its own way. It was a “These are not the droids you’re looking for” moment for sure.

The willful independence of thinking rather than listening has always earned me the same consequences as those received in the Garden—separation from God.