Home » Features » What is Emerging?

What is Emerging?

Posted on July 1, 2022, by Mary Ellen McElroy SL

Pink and purple butterfly graphic for Interchange What is Emerging?

Some of the oldest recorded spiritual teachings known to humanity are the ancient Chinese book of wisdom, the “Tao Te Ching,” and from ancient India, the “Vedas” and “Upanishads,” as well as the words of the Buddha.

Many of these profound teachings have been rediscovered in a sense during the past several decades as humanity begins to awaken. One of the common ancient teachings is silence. The ancient Chinese and others recognized silence as the essence of our being; the mystics also spoke of silence as the door to wisdom. Wisdom is found when we become still, quiet the mind and listen to the voice of silence. This wisdom helps us live with inner integrity and depth. When silence becomes an ongoing aspect of our lives, we begin to perceive silence within everything. In the presence of silence, there is no judgment. We see through others’ outer coverings and their purpose and essence are present to us. We do not need more information to transform the world — we need to listen to, learn from and live silence.

How does all this happen within the depth of our being? How do we connect with this spiritual being called silence? Many in Loretto know this practice. Sit in stillness, in quiet, let go of the thinking mind, just be present, move from consciousness of the head to the heart. We are spiritual beings coming in union with the spiritual being who is silence. Speak only a word within the silence, listen with your heart.

We invite you to join us in this spiritual practice of daily communing with silence and to do this with others if possible. We welcome your reflections if you wish to share them with us. Thank you.

Sources: “Silence, the Mystery of Wholeness” by Robert Sardella; “Stillness Speaks” by Eckhart Tolle; “The More Beautiful World Our Hearts Know is Possible” by Charles Eisen- stein; “The Web of Meaning” by Jeremy Lent; “The Sound of Silence” by Simon and Garfunkel; “Sayings of Light and Love, by St. John of the Cross,” translated by Mirabi Starr

Mary Ellen McElroy SL

Mary Ellen McElroy SL

Mary Ellen McElroy has been a Sister of Loretto since 1958 and currently lives in Denver. She serves on the Loretto Link Board and is a member of the Spirituality/Contemplative Working Group. Mary Ellen is also a member of the Emerging Forms Group. Her latest ministry since 2000 is spiritual direction, which continues to be her favorite. One of her favorite pastimes is conversing with others about things that keep emerging in our lives. Her favorite saying is "It is what it is, and ain't any isser!"
Cupola Cross 2-Icon

Loretto welcomes you

Learn more or plan a visit to the Motherhouse!

Leave a Comment





This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Cupola Cross 2-Icon

Loretto welcomes you

Learn more or plan a visit to the Motherhouse!