Quietude and Quietness
Did you know there is a slight
difference between quietness and quietude? Quietude represents a state
of tranquility or peace. Quietness, an absence of disturbance,
accompanies this state. Quietude may not be silence, or a state of complete sound,
but it is tranquil. I love both terms.
Quietude is my friend. We hang
out together as much as we can. In quietude, I am bathed in the gentle waves of
quietness, allowing me the freedom to think and enjoy words as I write.
Solitude, silence, stillness, and contemplation are our buddies. When we get
together, we enjoy peace.
Quietude is also my writing
partner. Without this, my attempt at writing is like running a marathon with
broken crutches. Devoid of quietude or quietness, my pencil breaks, the ink in
my pen is dry, and my computer battery needs a constant recharge. As I write in
quietude, I do so in the presence of calmness, with no rush to do anything else
in the moment.
Noise is an enemy allowed to
invade.
Noise, all too common today,
handicaps my words. Clamour kills them. I am then left with a mind like a
morgue with frozen, dead words scattered all around. This is not what I strive
for as a writer. I seem, however, to allow noise, busyness, demands,
information overload to have too much attention. This is something I am working
on and indeed must. I am saying “no” to more of life.
Quietude is where I find quietness and my words.
In quietude, the world slows
down enough for me to breathe. The shenanigans around the globe suffocate
creativity if allowed. My hands lift as if I am pulling myself into heaven. My
silent scream, heard only by the Almighty, expresses my longing for calmness. I
realize all I can do is send quiet words into our world.
The words I am honoured to
write and give to people are often quiet. In this world of information overload
and task-oriented energy, quietude still lives. Quietness, like contemplative
and quiet words, calls us all to rest. Rest in the Lord.
In humbleness, please allow me
to suggest a few points drawn from quietude and quietness.
1. We can
think without distraction. This may present a challenge to us in a society
bombarded by noise, but we can still find and enjoy quietness.
2. We
have time to rest from noise within and without. Let us not underestimate the
power of the noise within our minds to rob us of quietness.
3. Jesus
us gives us a model to follow in the need for quietude. Think of the demands on
the Lord’s life, yet He knew the value of silence and stillness.
4. Quietness
is a natural part of life.
5. Allows
us to take in calmness while breathing in peace.
6. Quietude
invites us to enter stillness, where we can hear God’s gentle voice and gain
guidance for living.
A Few Words from Scripture to
Meditate On
“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him.”
(Psalm 37:7).
“Peace! Be still! And the wind ceased.” (Mark 4:39).
“He
makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He
restores my soul.” (Psalm 23: 2-3)
A Final Thought
In the quiet blanket of a gentle evening,
I rest from the noise of an unsettled
world,
In the arms of He who never sleeps,
And gives me rest.
By Alan Anderson
.jpg)
Alan lives in a small village called Deroche, British Columbia, with wife, Terry, and their poodle, Charlie. He enjoys walking on the dike near his home, where he finds inspiration for his writing. He occasionally writes articles for FellowScript Magazine and is a regular contributor to the InScribe Christian Writers’ Fellowship blog. His website, https://scarredjoy.ca, is under construction.
I love your final poetical thoughts and these wise words of yours: "Quietude is also my writing partner. Without this, my attempt at writing is like running a marathon with broken crutches."
ReplyDeleteThank you, Alan, for reminding us of the importance of quietude and quietness. They help us rest and write our best.
Blessings, dear brother.
Dear Wendy, the post is a message to myself as much as it is for other people. Yes, rest is essential for our creativity. Blessings to you and your family.
DeleteI loved the poem you shared at the end. so lovely and just what I needed to hear today.
ReplyDeleteDear Tracy, He, who never sleeps, indeed gives us rest. I am humbled the words spoke to you, my friend.
DeleteI also thank you for this timely reminder of our need for quietude and quietness, Alan. It's true that even the "noise within our minds can rob us of quietness" and we must guard against that. Your comment about taking in calmness while breathing in peace reminds me of how my Pilates instructor concludes each class: "Inhale life, exhale gratitude." I find tranquility in those simple words.
ReplyDeleteDear Susan, thank you for taking time to comment here. I like how your Pilates instructor ends your classes. I hope and pray you find time for quietude and quietness. Life is more peace with this lovable duo.
DeleteWonderfully peaceful post, Alan. I can relate to these word “ Quietude is also my writing partner. Without this, my attempt at writing is like running a marathon with broken crutches. Devoid of quietude or quietness, my pencil breaks, the ink in my pen is dry, and my computer battery needs a constant recharge. As I write in quietude, I do so in the presence of calmness, with no rush to do anything else in the moment.” Even as I read your words my heart rate slowed and I caught myself breathing out a quieting sigh. Thank you, my friend.
ReplyDeleteDear Sharon, you show in your comment the healing power our writing can have. We can help each other in such ways, my friend. :)
DeleteThanks so much for bringing quietude to my thoughts, Alan! Love your points, scripture, and poem!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sandi! Since writing the post, I see more effort is to be made in my life to appreciate quietude.
DeleteThank you, Alan, for your lovely words, particularly those in the poem you included. Quietude is often denigrated in our loud and busy world, but what richness and creativity it brings to life.
ReplyDeleteDear Lorrie, thank you for the encouragement. Yes, in spite of our day there is a place for quietude. :)
DeleteThis is powerful imagery that resonates with my experience too: "Noise, all too common today, handicaps my words. Clamour kills them. I am then left with a mind like a morgue with frozen, dead words scattered all around. This is not what I strive for as a writer." I also love your "answer" - lift your hands to the Almighty, express your longing for calmness, and then send quiet words into the world. I hope and pray and seek to do the same.
ReplyDeleteDear Michelle, you are one of my kindred spirits. I will pray your quiet words bless your readers, my friend.
Delete