The Pursuit of Silence: Learning to Quiet the Noise Within and Without

THE STATIC OF NOISE!

A Call to Quiet

As I sat in prayer this week, seeking clarity and peace, I heard in my spirit a simple invitation: “A Call to Quiet.” In that moment, I realized just how much noise we carry—both around us and within us. The television humming in the background, the phone buzzing with notifications, the endless scroll of social media, the persistent chatter of our own thoughts. It’s as if the world itself conspires to keep us from ever truly being still.

We are invited, in this age of information and hurry, to intentionally quiet the noise. This is not just a matter of turning down the volume, but of choosing peace, closing our ears and mouths to the noise of the day, and seeking stillness as a spiritual discipline.

Acclimated to Constant Noise

We live in a world that is busier and noisier than ever. But it’s not only the external noise. Mental “noise” is just as pervasive: racing thoughts, worries, endless to-do lists, and the pressure to always be “on.” Many of us reach for earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones to drown out the world, only to fill the silence with our own anxious thinking.

Interestingly, we have become so accustomed to noise that many people now rely on it to sleep. The market for white noise machines and apps is booming. These devices emit a constant sound—static, rainfall, ocean waves—to mask disruptive noises and help us fall asleep. Yet, this dependence on noise is a sign of just how rare and uncomfortable true silence has become.

What Are We Losing in the Noise?

In our dependence on noise, something deep and vital is quietly slipping away. We are losing our capacity for contemplation, for deep listening, for spiritual discernment. We are losing the sacred space where God whispers, where our souls find rest, where creativity is born.

Why is quiet no longer valued or pursued? I believe, somewhat unapologetically, that part of the reason is because true silence can feel uncomfortable, unsettling. True silence can be confronting; it brings us face-to-face with ourselves, with thoughts and feelings we might rather avoid. Partly, it’s the culture around us—one that equates noise with productivity, busyness with purpose, and volume with value. The squeaky wheel gets the oil; the open mouth gets fed. We have learned that making noise garners attention and validation.

Busyness as Noise

Busyness itself becomes a kind of noise. It fills our schedules, distracts our minds, and exhausts our bodies. We may think we’re “tired,” but I would submit that much of our fatigue is not from activity alone, but from the overwhelming noise—both literal and figurative—that we carry day and night.

We are becoming like robots, programmed to respond to every beep, buzz, and notification. It reminds me of a scene from a show I once watched: testing the theory of the Pavlov's Dog Experiment, one coworker would make a distinct noise and immediately ask the person next to him if he wanted a breath mint. He did this repeatedly, day after day, each time pairing the noise with the offer. Over time, something interesting happened. One day, the coworker made the noise but didn’t say a word. Instantly, almost unconsciously, the other man held out his hand, expecting a mint. When asked why, the coworker hesitated, searching for an answer, and finally remarked, that is mouth suddenly felt yucky!

This simple experiment is a powerful metaphor for how we, too, are conditioned by the relentless cues and noises of daily life. Whether it’s the ping of a new message, the glow of a notification, or the habitual rush from one task to the next, we find ourselves reacting automatically, rarely pausing to question why. The noise programs our responses, shapes our desires, and even creates needs that weren’t there before.

We spend our days satisfying the demands of the noise, allowing it to guide and direct our actions, our moods, even our sense of self-worth. We are led by the noise. It’s no wonder we feel restless and weary—the noise is in control. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

Choosing to Quiet the Noise

There comes a point—one that each of us must recognize for ourselves—when we need to make a conscious effort to quiet the noise.

How can we do this?

• Turn off the TV and phone for set periods each day.

• Create “noise-free” zones or times in your home.

• Practice contemplative prayer. (silent, wordless prayer in which you seek to be present with and attentive to the presence of God, resting in God's Presence)

• Listen for God’s voice in silence.

• Take regular walks in nature, without earbuds.

• Use earplugs, not to add more noise, but to embrace true quiet.

• Be intentional about who and what you allow to speak into your life.

  
  

Seeking Peace—Intentionally

Peace is not accidental; it is chosen, sought after, and fiercely protected. The scriptures remind us:

“Be still, and know that I am God: ...”—Psalm 46:10

“...in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: ...”—Isaiah 30:15

“The Lord will fight for you while you [only need to] keep silent and remain calm."—Exodus 14:14 (AMP)

Let us answer the call to quiet—not only for our own sanity, but for our spiritual health, our creativity, and our capacity to hear the gentle whisper of God.

Closing

This week, I invite you to join me in the discipline of quieting the noise. Let’s turn down the volume, close our ears and mouths to the clamor of the day, and rediscover the peace that only God can bring.

Are you with me?

Coach

Kathryn

FIND OR CREATE YOUR PLACE OF QUIET!