Sitting with the Quakers in silent worship one morning, I found a way to settle down into the silence that helped me. It’s like a song with three verses – you can repeat each verse as many times as you like until you reach the right mental state. Chant aloud or silently – it’s up to you. If you try this, I’d love to hear how it worked for you.

breathe in while saying or thinking,

I rest

 

breathe out while saying or thinking,

I give thanks

 

(repeat as many times as needed to give yourself grace for this process)

 

breathe in while saying or thinking,

I give thanks and open

 

breathe out while saying or thinking,

I wait and listen

 

(repeat as many times as needed to begin to clear the mind)

 

breathe in while saying or thinking,

I wait and listen

 

breathe out while saying or thinking,

(silence)

 

(repeat as many times as needed to stay in this listening state)