Listening to Voices of Silence

In Journey of the Heart today, the lead-in phrase was "Who or What Is Pulling on You?" I related deeply to this, as over the past week, I have received silent messages prompting me to reconnect with family and friends.

Since becoming sober, I have noticed that these silent messages carry a power of their own. The act of "listening" to these 'voices of silence' can be understood as a process of letting go—releasing the internal noise, obsessive thoughts, and self-destructive chatter that often cloud our ability to connect with a deeper, healing stillness. In the quiet, we engage in self-reflection, humility, and true listening—where individuals confront their inner struggles, acknowledge their emotions, and ultimately find peace through surrender.

Bill Wilson captured this idea beautifully when he wrote: “We found the Great Reality deep down within us. In the last analysis, it was only there that He may be found.” (AA Big Book, p. 55) True wisdom, as Wilson suggests, is not found in endless speaking but in looking inward with silence.

The Timeless Wisdom of Silence

There are many sources beyond AA that recognize the profound power of silence. Across cultures and philosophies, silence has been seen as a gateway to wisdom and inner peace. Here are a few perspectives:

Ancient Wisdom on Silence

• “Silence is a source of great strength.” — Tao Te Ching

• “He who knows does not speak. He who speaks does not know.” — Tao Te Ching

• “When the mouth is silent, the mind speaks; when the mind is silent, the soul speaks.” — Buddhist Teachings

• “Do not speak unless it improves upon the silence.” — Buddhist Teachings

Religious and Spiritual Teachings

• “He who does not understand your silence will probably not understand your words.” — Elbert Hubbard

• “Silence is the language of God. All else is poor translation.” — Rumi (Sufi Mysticism)

• “God’s first language is silence.” — St. John of the Cross

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

• “Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.” — Proverbs 17:28

LDS Teachings on Silence

• “We need quiet time to recognize promptings of the Spirit. It is in the moments of quiet reflection that personal revelation comes.” — Elder Richard G. Scott, "To Acquire Spiritual Guidance," General Conference, October 2009

• “In moments of silence, we hear promptings that shape our souls and guide our footsteps along the path of righteousness.” — President David O. McKay

The Power of Embracing Silence

Silence is not emptiness—it is a space where the most profound truths reveal themselves. Whether in personal reflection, spiritual practice, or recovery, learning to embrace stillness can open the door to clarity, wisdom, and inner peace. When we listen—truly listen—to the voices of silence, we may find that they carry the guidance we have been seeking all along.