How Quakers use a “moment of silence”
“I personally find any silence refreshing, like taking a deep breath, feeling myself calm down, offering a quiet gratitude, or feeling oneself become more grounded. A moment of quiet in our noisy society can be a gift in and of itself[…] These brief moments before a meeting, a class, or a gathering, are like a quick refresher, a check-in with one’s self, a momentary halting in the busyness of the day.
Besides its symbolic connection to the practice of silence in Quaker circles, even a short moment of silence is a useful practice that can be used throughout the day to stay physically grounded and awake to your own surroundings.”
— C. Wess Daniels, 2024
Quaker minister, blogger, and educator

Today’s Invitation
Spend a moment in silence when you need a deep breath, to calm down, or to get grounded.
This Week’s Query
How do you use silence outside of Quaker worship?
What role does it play in your daily life?
Read the source of today’s quote
Banner art by Mark Pratt-Russum
Author
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Wess Daniels is the William R. Rogers Director of Friends Center and Quaker Studies at Guilford College. He is the creator and owner of Fireweed Coffee Company, author, minister, and bike enthusiast.
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