In this episode, Courtney Ellis joins me for a really lovely discussion on the gifts and challenges of silence (including Courtney’s love of birding!). We talk about all the things we miss when we distract ourselves with noise and activity and how silence helps us to be grateful and present, whatever that might look like.

For the transcript for this episode, visit BeckyLMcCoy.com/podcast/94

HOW TO PRACTICE SILENCE:

1. Pick a comfortable place to sit or lie down. Close your eyes or keep them open. Resist the urge to have background noise or music of any kind.

2. Take some deep breaths and notice what’s happening in your body. Where do you have tension? Pain?

3. Start with just a few minutes of silence at a time. It’s okay if your mind wanders or you get bored.

4. Just a little bit of silence is great. Experiment with it in different ways. Use it in the car or while folding laundry instead of listening to something. Over time you can expand the amount of time you spend in silence.

5. Try birding!

STUFF MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Courtney’s new book Weathering Change

• Thee Quaker Podcast

• Documentary: Into Great Silence (a silent monastery in the French Alps)

Becky L McCoy is a writer, retreat leader, and spiritual director. She is the communications and outreach coordinator for the Brian Dagle Foundation and podcast host of Sucker Punched. She earned her master of arts in Christian theology and spiritual formation from Regent University and is pursuing a doctor of ministry in spiritual formation and soul care.

Courtney Ellis is author, speaker, pastor, and host of “The Thing With Feathers Podcast.” She’s also a birder based in Orange County, California where she lives with her husband (also a pastor!) and three children. Together they serve Presbyterian Church of the Master. Her newest book, Weathering Change: Seeking Peace Amid Life’s Tough Transitions is available anywhere books are sold.

FIND BECKY ONLINE:

Website: BeckyLMcCoy.com

Social Media: @BeckyLMcCoy

FIND COURTNEY ONLINE:

Website: CourtneyBEllis.com

Social Media: @courtneyellis____