William Penn


True Silence: Rest for Mind and Spirit

This has a dreamlike animated feel to the image, It is a serine forest woyj a green mountain in the distance. The sun is setting behind the mountain and the sky is mainly reds and yellows as the night rolls in. In the foregoround is a tranquil lake with the greens of the mountain and trees reflected on its still surface.
The text reads: "True silence is the rest of the mind; it is to the spirit what sleep is to the body, nourishment and refreshment." (William Penn)

Happy Friday! Today’s quote is:

“True silence is the rest of the mind; it is to the spirit what sleep is to the body, nourishment and refreshment.” (William Penn)

Silence is not merely the absence of sound; it is a space of being—a sanctuary where the mind can find respite from the relentless chatter of thoughts and worries. Just as sleep rejuvenates the body, true silence offers a space for the mind to rest, recharge, and regain clarity.

Sometimes, it can feel that in the chaos of modern life, finding moments of true silence can be challenging. Our days are filled with constant distractions—from buzzing smartphones to overflowing to-do lists. Yet, amidst the noise, there exists a sacred stillness waiting to be discovered.

In the midst of external chaos, true silence provides an opportunity to reconnect with the innate wisdom and tranquility that reside within us.

When we quiet the incessant chatter of our minds, we create space for insight, creativity, and intuition to emerge. It is in these moments of stillness that we can more easily listen to our inner wisdom and find answers to life’s most pressing questions.

Moreover, that space that Penn is describing as true silence has a profound impact on our spiritual well-being. Just as nourishing food sustains the body, silence nourishes the spirit, providing sustenance for our innermost being. In the absence of external distractions, we can cultivate a deeper connection with our true selves and rest within that space. True silence allows us to access this innate wisdom and resilience, empowering us to navigate life’s challenges with grace and equanimity.

Yet, sometimes we resist embracing silence. We seek solace in distractions or external stimuli, unaware that true peace lies within. We’re often accustomed to relying solely on our +tellect. So, it can feel counterintuitive to give our intellect some time off—to send it on a spa break, if you will—and simply rest in that space.

There’s whole practices that allow you to embrace that silence intentionality. It can means carving out time for solitude and reflection, away from the noise and distractions of the outside world. Its also possible to take a moment at any time to let your mind quieten as best you can because that space is always available to us – even when we dont seem to feel it. I think it does means cultivating a willingness to sit with discomfort and uncertainty, or at least not resisting an of that feeling as the intellect wants to figure everything out. Instead trusting that true wisdom will emerge in the silence.

As we journey through life, may we remember the profound wisdom of true silence—a sanctuary for the mind and spirit. May we cultivate moments of stillness amidst the chaos, allowing nourishment and refreshment to wash over us like a gentle breeze. And may we embrace the transformative power of silence to awaken our true selves and illuminate the path forward.

About Jen Waller

Jen Waller

Jen Waller is on a mission to support, nurture and encourage coaching skills and talents from non-coach to coach and beyond.

As an experienced coach and trainer Jen is happy to utilise all skills at her disposal to assist clients from getting out of their own way and making a difference in the world with their coaching. Find out more about the support Jen offers here.