I visited a labyrinth in upstate N.Y. a few weeks ago.
It’s one of many sites world-wide that are part of The Quiet Garden Trust. This non-profit encourages individuals and institutions to  develop environments that provide a place to step out of  the frantic pace of life and experience quiet reflection, prayer and healing.

What a brilliant idea. And how necessary. There are so few quiet places, much less quiet moments, in our fast-forward life.

I learned a lot while walking the labyrinth.

But, the first thing was how essential it is to step out of the habitual pattern, the mechanical rhythm, the incessant pace of activity.

All insights, all creativity, all breakthroughs – if you examine them carefully – come out of a moment of stillness. When the perpetual motion machine of the mind pauses for a breath – there is the space for a transforming insight, a fresh idea, a new direction to emerge. It happens in the blink of an eye. Before the habitual thoughts can intrude and start drumming away again.

So, here’s the invitation – to carve out 3 minutes of silence in your day.

Think of it as a mini-retreat to your own Quiet Garden. Even if there’s no grass, trees, or birds anywhere to be found. Even if you’re sitting in your car in the parking lot before leaving work.
Or bumping along on the subway. Turn off the radio, iPod, cell phone etc. Close the newspaper, magazine, book, etc. Turn off the computer (yes, this is important!!)

Don’t expect anything to happen.

Even though breakthroughs may arise. The important thing is to start to value . . . silence. To start to value . . . stillness. To recognize the essential importance of not doing anything.

• How will you create your own Quiet Garden time?
• Where will you go to be still?

Let me know what happens.

(photo of Eric in the the labyrinth by Joseph Duba M.D.)

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