There is a story of four friends who met in school where they studied meditation.
One day, they made a pact to observe absolute silence for seven days.
On the first day all were silent. Their meditation had begun auspiciously, but when night came and the oil lamps were growing dim one of the pupils could not help exclaiming to a servant: “Fix those lamps!”
The second student was surprised to hear the first one talk. “We are not supposed to say a word,” he remarked.
“You two are stupid. Why did you talk?” asked the third.
“I am the only one who has not talked!” exclaimed the fourth.
This story makes me smile—imagining these four, well-intentioned friends setting out to observe an incredibly challenging practice, with a very relatable outcome. They challenge one another for encouragement, but competition gets the better of them in the end.
Thoughts to consider: How might practicing silence teach us more about ourselves? Another consideration: How might silence help us speak more effectively when it is important to do so?
—Jessica Lien, Prairiewoods development coordinator