I have to share this because it was confounding to me. At 51 years old, my (very extroverted) husband had never heard the term "companionable silence" until I mentioned it just recently. It's always been one of my favorite kind of silences, but of course--and especially with the ruminating and writing work (not to mention prayerful moments) I try to engage in--I also benefit from solitary silence. To share a space with someone without words can be so joyful, and also holy, as you say. It takes restraint and patience to not fill that space with empty words. Thanks for this, Shemaiah, and for giving me so much to think about, as usual!
This is one of your best, Shemaiah. I recently read Foster for the second time. What you gleaned from the book is perceptive
Thank you ! It is such a lovely story as is her book Small Things Like These. She has a new book coming out!
I read this essay on vacay in Guadalajara....had to share the link with the world (in my Footnotes). Yes, this is one of your best my friend. https://open.substack.com/pub/jodycollins/p/why-i-need-to-slow-down?r=2retg&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Thank you for sharing!
I love this piece
A wonderful reminder of the power of being silent in company. I do always find it strangely intimate. Thank you so much.
I've been thinking of this in the space of grieving as well.
Oh, yes -- absolutely.
I have to share this because it was confounding to me. At 51 years old, my (very extroverted) husband had never heard the term "companionable silence" until I mentioned it just recently. It's always been one of my favorite kind of silences, but of course--and especially with the ruminating and writing work (not to mention prayerful moments) I try to engage in--I also benefit from solitary silence. To share a space with someone without words can be so joyful, and also holy, as you say. It takes restraint and patience to not fill that space with empty words. Thanks for this, Shemaiah, and for giving me so much to think about, as usual!