A Definition of The Quiet Life
We’ve discussed the value of quiet living and the concept of the low information diet but what exactly is The Quiet Life? Rather than simply consuming less news, it can be defined as the following:
A posture towards life that embraces simplicity, sacramentality and intentionality while placing particular value on meaningful interaction with others.
Now let’s break it down:
A posture: quiet living isn’t a cause. It’s not political. It’s no false gospel. There are no t-shirts made from it (not yet at least). Rather, quiet living is an approach to life which both precedes action and responds to external stimuli.
Simplicity: quiet living does not like complexity. The Quiet Life, in order to savor the rich, good things of life, needs to strip away the non-essentials and therefore cherishes simplicity in everything from one’s day to the food one eats.
Sacramentality: quiet living embraces both the Sacraments and a sacramental view of everyday life. Frequent reception of the Eucharist and regular participation in Reconciliation are essential. One also sees all of creation as “usable” by God. This is consistent with the teaching of the Church.
Intentionality: quiet living is on purpose. One doesn’t merely react to things but goes on offense, choosing how best to spend their time, money and energy.
Meaningful interaction with others: instead of an addiction to pings, likes, updates and shares, one who practices quiet living seeks out face-to-face interactions with others. Rich conversations are savored. Instead of 5,000 “friends” on Facebook, five trusted friendships in real life will do.
Perhaps one of the best aspects of quiet living is that it’s completely free. Which aspect will you try out today?
A Core Component to the Quiet Life: the Low Information Diet
The Quiet Life relies on several core components, one of which is the low information diet. By choosing to control how and when news gets to you, you’re actually freeing up space for other, higher value activities.
Read moreWhat is the Quiet Life?
If you find social media to be exhausting, The Quiet Life is the antidote.
Read moreAn Invitation to The Quiet Life
When I told my neighbor that my kids had another snow day, she said, “what’s a snow day anymore, right?” What she meant was that schooling during Covid times has changed the meaning of a school day.
“Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before.”
There are flex days, virtual learning days, and on occasion, true snow days. Still, a day spent at home due to the snow holds different meaning from ‘the old days’.
One thing is true when it comes to snow: it quiets everything. The white flakes push things down and make hearing a delight. We hear our feet crush the snow, the sound of a truck on the next street, the bark of a dog.
It’s quiet and often exceedingly beautiful.
I’m mindful of St. Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians (1 Thess, 4:11), “Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before.” The snow reminds me of this ancient admonition from the great evangelist.
In 2021, we need The Quiet Life. Social media, if you’re still into it, is exhausting. Constant attention to screens saps us of energy. Keeping up with the news? Overrated.
I invite you to enter into The Quiet Life this Lent. Dial back the noise, spend more time with the Lord where you can listen and hear His voice and if you’re lucky enough, where you can feel the crunch of snow underneath your feet.
The Many Things that God has to Say
I’m a terrible listener when it comes to my relationship with God. Very good at talking, not as skilled when it comes to hearing God’s voice.
Sure, there have been moments over the years when I had a clear ‘sense’ of God’s desire for me. There have also been a few incidents where I could specifically tell that God was communicating with me. These moments though, if I’m fully honest, don’t come very often.
This is fairly ordinary when it comes to the spiritual life.
And, unsurprisingly, it’s not uncommon in our human relationships too. We toil, go through the mundane, do the work. This is the norm. Occasionally, something will bubble up to the top that is different, feels different, looks different but most of the time, it’s ordinary.
Ordinary is just fine. God loves ordinary and we can too.
The longing though for intimacy does nudge us towards God. We can embrace the ordinary and yet still be open to those moments when God provides more.
Lately, I’ve been stepping out on a limb when I pray. I call it the Daily Question. I crawl out on the branch and ask God what He has for me today. A message? A section from Scripture? A clear sense of direction? A foggy intuition?
This is wildly scary and at the same time, an exhilarating endeavor. Imagine walking up to the palace, knocking on the front door and asking the King for a daily bit of inspiration.
And yet that’s what I do. And, to my delight, God has answered.
Some days, it’s a reminder to re-read the day’s Gospel. On other days, pure silence. In the days in between, a slight hint of message, a faint glimmer of clarity. I’m still learning to savor the quiet days as much as the ones which are bright and clear. The Lord is there in both and leads me through these moments. This practice has taken me decades to learn.
When was the last time you asked God a question? What did it feel like and for what did you ask?
Why not try using this method of the Daily Question today? Don’t just shoot up to the Lord a random question at a moment’s notice. Rather, dispose yourself to listening by quieting yourself and softening your heart to hear what God has to say.