Does It Improve Upon The Silence

On the 1st of June, we considered the value of Silence. I offered you Silence. I asked if you had ever experienced moments - gripping moments that you knew you had to face - simply because you made a promise to fulfill a commitment to yourself? Moments when you knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that there was something to be said - must be said - and yet - somehow - you also knew in a single profound moment of silence, more meaning could be conveyed than there are words... more meaning could be given through an embraced moment of profound sacred Silence.

It is now the 15th of June. Thanks you, so much, for joining me again. To consider the possibilities of improving upon the Silence.

Sathya Sai Baba was an Indian guru and philanthropist. At the age of fourteen he claimed that he was the reincarnation of Shirdi Sai Baba and left his home in order to serve the society and be an example to his followers. Let us consider an apparent quote of Sai Baba for which he became extremely well known...

“Before you speak, ask yourself: Is it kind, is it necessary, is it true, does it improve the silence?”

We spoke of Silence. Sometimes, we know it is better not to speak. Sometimes it is simply because the quiet which surrounds us is so profound that it touches a place deep in our souls. That this may be a place to experience an inspiration, or witness an intuitive moment of enlightenment or even hear the voice of God - guiding us, answering prayers, expressing love, or hearing the subtle quiet of nature permeating the space surrounding us. Please be gentle with these moments. Respect them. Embrace them. Feel them. Know them.

It is possible to improve upon the Silence. It is by following the Sacred Spirit of Silence. Our voices have the potential to improve upon the Silence. By being slow to speak and knowing you are offering the break in Silence through kindness - by truth delivered in kindness. Kindness always improves upon the Silence. Kindness is always true. Kindness is always necessary. When kindness is present, Silence becomes a beautiful song of praise - a kind praise of Life. Emerging from the Silence and returning to the Silence. Listen.

A beautiful song emerges from the Silence and returns to the Silence.

There are also times the Silence cannot be improved upon.

https://youtu.be/NAEppFUWLfc

Silence

Do you ever experience moments - gripping moments that you know you must face - simply because you made a promise to fulfill a commitment to yourself? Moments when you know beyond a shadow of a doubt that there is something to be said - must be said - and yet - somehow - you also know in a single profound moment of silence, more meaning can be conveyed than there are words. Life can be this way.

Therefore, rather than ramble on tonight fulfilling a promise I made to myself regarding each and every one of you, I choose to offer the silence. The silence before. The silence afterward. And most important... the silence spoken amid the clamor, the haste and the noisy confusion of life.

Who Was That Masked Man?

Back when I was a kid, there were stories about a masked former Texas Ranger who fought outlaws in the American Old West with his Native American friend, Tonto. He was known as the Lone Ranger. He conducted himself by a strict morale code. He was a hero. He rode a horse named Silver. This masked man saved lives. He gave hope. He brought peace. He respected life and the individual rights we have to live free. At the conclusion of righting wrongs, mounted on Silver, proud, rearing and kicking up dust, the Lone Ranger shouted, “Hi-Yo, Silver! Away!” He rode off into the distance with Tonto beside him, on his faithful horse, Scout. A thankful bystander would ask the sheriff, “Who was that masked man?” The sheriff answered, “Oh, that’s the Lone Ranger.” Hope for a better day and a better future filled the hearts and minds of everyone who saw.

We live in strange times. Not so long ago, seeing someone wearing a mask covering their nose and mouth, going into a place of business, were considered suspicious, frightening and potentially dangerous. The police may have even been called in. It’s virtually just the opposite today. Thanks to the pandemic.

It’s often difficult for me to recognize someone now without their masks. Many of these people I see on a regular basis – wearing masks. Without the masks, more often than not, I couldn’t tell you who they are. Such is the state of most of our lives now.

I remember several years ago I was preparing to leave a gym in New Mexico. My young daughter of only four years old was with me. I said hello to a man as we were headed out. I spoke as though we had known one another for years. I can be that way. Some people might consider I push the limits of familiarity with my friendly nature. Others, appreciate a moment of bridge building, compassion and comradery. My daughter looked up at me and said, “Daddy. Who was that? What was that man’s name?” I said, “I don’t know.” I smiled and knelt down. I shook my head and said, “I don’t know his name, darling. But I know his soul through his eyes.”

I hope during this period where half of our faces are hidden beneath a mask, we will think of something. This is for us: the eyes are the windows of our souls. Love is letting go of fear. Who is that masked man? He is you and me, sharing, as well as reflecting, the content of our souls to one another. Embrace the revelation.

https://youtu.be/XuQXDNMIY9s