God Speaks to Us in Silence
Many of us hold a belief in something greater than ourselves—God, the Universe, Source, or whatever name resonates with us. I am a firm believer in God, and this reflection will come from that perspective. However, the ideas here can be applied to any higher power you choose to believe in. At some point, we all find ourselves seeking answers: What should we do with our lives? How do we handle difficult situations or people? How do we discern what this higher power wants for us? Today, I want to explore these questions and the profound truth that God speaks to us in silence.
The Challenge of Silence
For many of us, spending time alone can be challenging. The moment we’re left with our thoughts, our minds wander, distractions creep in, and discomfort arises. Some may even feel anxious or uneasy. Yet, time spent in solitude is not only therapeutic—it’s essential if we wish to draw closer to God.
My brother, Dr. Sukhi Muker, often speaks about the “monkey chatter of the mind.” This chatter consists of those nagging, negative thoughts that tell us we’re not good enough, that our dreams are unattainable, or that we lack what it takes to succeed. As Dr. Muker wisely puts it, “These voices in our head are not us.”
This constant noise in our minds is precisely why silence can feel so intimidating. But learning to calm this mental chatter is the key to quality time with ourselves and, ultimately, with God. It’s in this stillness that clarity, inspiration, and solutions to our struggles often emerge.
Hearing God Through Stillness
The most profound benefit of calming the mind is the ability to hear God. When I say “hearing God,” I don’t mean an audible voice—though I’m not dismissing that possibility. Instead, I’m talking about thoughts, ideas, or nudges that come to you in moments of stillness.
Sometimes it’s as simple as the thought to reach out to someone you haven’t spoken to in a while. Other times, it’s an idea to try something new or take a step in an unexpected direction. For me, this happens often. There have been moments when someone’s name or face pops into my mind seemingly out of nowhere. When I follow that nudge and reach out, I often find that we both needed the connection at that time—whether to share wisdom, encouragement, or growth.
Even this very topic came to me during a yoga class. At first, I didn’t know how to begin writing about it or articulate something so profound. But, as with so many things, the clarity came in a moment of silence. That’s when I realized: God speaks to us in silence. This has been happening to me for years, but I didn’t recognize it for what it was until I learned to quiet my mind.
We cannot hear God amidst the noise of negativity and mental clutter. Only when we calm our minds do we create the space for divine guidance to come through.
Creating Space for Silence
There are many ways to cultivate a calm mind and create the silence necessary to hear God’s voice. Two of the most effective practices are meditation and yoga.
Meditation and Prayer: These practices teach us to focus on our breath, become comfortable with stillness, and let go of judgment toward our thoughts.
Yoga: In addition to its physical benefits, yoga helps us tune in to our bodies and minds, creating a deep connection to the present moment.
A key part of calming the mind is learning to stop judging our thoughts. Instead of labeling them as “good” or “bad,” simply notice them and let them pass. This nonjudgmental approach not only quiets the mind but also makes us less critical of others—a bonus that improves our relationships and outlook on life.
The Invitation
So, I invite you: Take time to calm your mind. Embrace moments of silence. Create a space for God to speak to you. Whether it’s through meditation, prayer, yoga, or simply sitting in stillness, these practices can open your heart and mind to divine guidance.
Remember, the answers you’re seeking may already be within you, waiting for the quiet to reveal them.
