what happens if you break a vow of silence
You begin to see things you have never seen before, and experience things you have never experienced. A truth seeker is one that becomes silent, not from words, but from anger, violence, emotions, pain, suffering, ignorance and all the lower qualities, Yogeesh writes in Secrets of Enlightenment. Its also a lie. Thus, the monks in the same path need to observe silence at some point. But until then, Im going to let it be. Moreover, there is no need to punish yourself when you have not achieved your aim of taking the vow. While listening is a way to give to others during your vow, keep in mind that you are also forcing others out of their comfort zone. I want to run, but my feet feel cemented in the dewy grass. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Also, one does not need to visit a Buddhist monastery to practice a vow of silence. Thank you again. Moreover, nuns also need to develop their spiritual life as they pursue enlightenment. This is mostly visible when the vow of silence covers only specific times of the day. I dont socialize alot and I listen enough to get a feel of the situation then respond. I learned that I need lots of advice and its hard not being able to ask for it. I can just imagine what could have gone through their minds they gotta try it for themselves some time, I can only find beneficial results, Now Im alone and silent often. Im going to learn not to feel guilty for moments of non-productivity. I learned this during my most recent vow of silence: speaking is a gift. To learn to hear others. It also really shows it's value in a retreat environment. Next Page. Thus, you may want to know if this vow to keep silent is particular to monks only. Moses spoke to the heads of the tribes of the people of Israel, saying, "This is what the Lord has commanded. When I really listened I heard that what she is dealing with is emotional, not professional. Its as if my brain wants me to remember every embarrassing, regretful moment in my past. Someday tho I will take a vow of silence. Christians have no use for vows because they are commanded to always be honest. But silence is giving up, and I don't want to do that.". 10 Ways To Practice Silence. Im not sure if this is a form of mindfulness, but for a brief moment, as I lie here on the cool grass, I feel weightless. This applies to all spheres of life. Any progress Ive made with the shoe removal has vanished. and partially because Im a naturally competitive person who seeks adventure. Vows of silence are usually associated with religious orders, in particular monasticism. I am that person. They gossip like old friends at a dinner party. My mom used to keep a garden. As a result, Buddhists practice silence to strengthen their spirituality. Some people like to listen to music, meditate and do yoga classes. I know there is a next time for me! I know I have communication problems, not just with her but in my immediate circle and family. These two times Ive spent not speaking for an evening, gesturing with head nods and such and some writing, has in some way giving me a sense of satisfaction, and not in the sense of a weapon, as a way to communicate better. Cecilia Meis is the editorial director forSUCCESSand a digital nomad. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'buddhismzone_org-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_4',106,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-buddhismzone_org-large-leaderboard-2-0');A vow of silence is a practice for anyone who wishes to be part of it. Something in the person rises up to protect themselves and those they love from a repeat performance. Hence, if you are willing, you can take a vow of silence. Bah! It doesnt happen just once at the beginning, it often happens over and over again during each new interaction. The thought was too much for her right now. At Siddhayatan, waste is considered a form of violence. Thus, the very vow you made was a sin. Who does she think she is? This includes even when they are not under a vow of silence. The group turns with mild curiosity as my car passes. What Is It There are two types of Vows of Silence: Private happens in a retreat setting or in a monastery. Manage Settings Continue with Recommended Cookies. Substitute for Material Sacrifice Christians point to the command of Jesus to leave material things behind and follow him. Taking a vow of silence can be a personal challenge and a social challenge! Manage Settings Linda Brant, 38, the floodgates have to his teachers and friends. For example, this is not an issue of sabbath observance, which is required by many religions, nut appears to be something you decided was required, rather than a requirement imposed by your religious belief. Like a monkey swinging through a forest, I jump from thought to thought as if Id never developed the ability to focus. And breaking promises is one of the attributes of the hypocrites. I learned that people LOVE to talk about themselvesand that is a joyous thing to watch and support. However, in 1927, Dumbledore is unable to get around the vow he made as a youth to never fight the boy he loved. Thus, going over your words before letting them out. What is then the benefit of not talking when you can easily write out your thoughts? I made a vow to the Lord that I should die a painful death any day I do a certain thing. Why did you put a picture of a deer on your website? Ithought abstaining from words was hard enough. However, it is important to keep in mind that the best practice is not the longest. Jai Siddhatma, the woman says as I get out of the car, slightly bowing again with her palms pressed together in a praying motion. Finally the chatter in your brain will cease and you will just be listening. So came Saturday morning. There are increasing questions about this vow of silence. Related: I Actually Tried Meditation for 30 DaysThis Is What Happened. Bah! Im going to learn how to stop valuing busyness. But I need to be punished and gave that gift taken from me. Prepare family and friends ahead of time so they know what to expect. Typically people want to resetthey want to speak better, listen better or feel more. Hence, you will experience your thoughts flowing without interference. And, the effects of keeping or breaking the vow. Moral discrimination is a status quo, imposed by society for means of control. Time seems to have stopped, abandoning me to relive a thousand moments of painful regret that feel as real as the first time I lived them. Most Men Cant Handle A Deep Woman Heres Why, Balance Your Root Chakra And Reach For The Stars. I only thought monks and nuns took this vow. Receive notification whenever items are posted to this site: You can change your delivery preferences in your subscription dashboard. Is there like a vow pledge that we can join or sign into. Language is meant to be the vocal expression of thought, but we know that not all thoughts and feelings can be expressed by words. From 2011 to 2017, the Day of Silence was held on the second Friday in April except for April 11, 2014; in 2018 it was observed on Friday, April 27. Some people may still talk, but limit themselves to no more than, say, 5 minutes a day. I was actually excited to get together with her because I thought that it would be a great opportunity for me to listen to her for a change I feel like I am always the one blabbering away. This energy was chewed up by thinking and speaking and so when theyopen up, they take on a new tremendous intensity. It feels like a break to smell both the literal and proverbial roses. The Genes Of This Tribe Carry A DNA Of A Third Unknown Human Species, Harvard Goes To The Himalayas Superhuman Abilities Of Himalayan Monks Stun The Scientists, 6 Powerful Solfeggio Frequencies That Raise Your Vibration, Psychologists Think That ADHD And ADD Sufferers Might Actually Be Indigo Children, Are You A Lightworker? Im doing it. And listen to the pain I have caused others without being defending myself. She writes about other digital nomads, solopreneurs and the future of work. [citation needed] In the United States, the Day of Silence is the GLSENs annual day of action to spread awareness about the effects of the bullying and harassment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) students. Monks do not make a "vow of silence". However, it might appear quite impossible to do so at first. . Im taking this vow as Ive never felt like my voice was heard no matter how loud! I find I now prefer to text or email someone as that also forces me to state my thoughts more meaningfully in succinct well worded sentences. Thus, Silence has the capacity to strengthen spirituality. Other vows of silence are taken completely silentthis includes not being able to even write in a journal! I'll go with you and Niall, to get you settled." A door clicks open a moment later, and I look up to see Niall walking down the hall towards us. Before long, I revert to what mindfulness experts call monkey brain. To feel something more than the shallow waters of the mundane. The 11 Types of Lightworkers. As we resist, we are in constant motion trying to adjust, and yet we still remain unhappy about what is.. I make my words meaningful and gentle. Brother Paul Quenon: a Trappist monk and poet at the Abbey of Gethsemani in Kentucky. The time you marked out will help you to track the progress of your practice. Whenever I catch a glimpse of the words in the mirror, I smile. I dont like silence. Take your time and look: Maybe your body is telling you something important about what your mind needs.Mouna, a Sanskrit word meaning silence, is a religious vow the is taken by Hindu women in India during the month of monsoon. Once you push through there is a wonderful reward. Do you have a few standard phrases you think will be important? I learned that emotional fear can stop professional success. If my goal is to quieten my own thoughts, I cant do that while processing what others are saying while at the same time forcing myself to say nothing. Most notably,. I hope this helps. When I do engage with someone I prefer to text as it disciplines me to use an economy of words. But before . She once told me that when a white patch appears on a zucchini, its time to harvest. While sitting silently in one of my masterminds this week I realized its very much like the 5 Stages of Griefexcept you are mourning the end of your speaking and entering into the 5 Stages of Silence. Be sure tothink about how your vow could affect those around you. Like any form of growth, Howd warns, mindfulness requires consistency. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. But, then, the whole process involves keeping the communication of any kind to the barest minimum. But letting go can never be forced. Startled, I accidentallyand regrettablydrop a casual F-bomb. I learned that if you give someone a little extra pause after they are done speaking, they will often go deeper. I feel that Im never heard or my opinions never matter, so when I speak those feelings are expressed with volume and facial expressions. It does get betterread on. Learn Analysis and decision-making skills. I do have few questions, which I could not find anywhere when practicing vows of silence. The chatter spilling from the main building makes me pause. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); @2023 - All Right Reserved. Shes taken a vow of noble silence, so dont be offended if she doesntrespond.. Jill Shannon is the last person to talk to a reporter before he turns up dead. Maybe Ill even try my hand at meditation. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. In general, a vow of silence is important to avoid distractions. As the reality sets in and you realize, truly, you cant say anything. More so, when monks are in a vow of silence, sometimes, it is not total abstinence from talking. Chances are you visited a Buddhist temple and surprisingly you found some monks silent for your whole stay. Would a monk who has taken a vow of silence receive scorn from their peers if they were to break the vow because they were the victim or witness of a crime? This crazy thing happens when people are speaking to you and you cant speak back. You can sit here, she repeats a little louder. Even the most fervently silent orders such as the Carthusians have time in their schedule for talking. We determine who we are by the perception of others. Its also important to get buy in from the people who you will really burdenyour spouse, your kids, your colleagues. She sees a terrified woman in the night . Add to that that I am almost never social. Breaking a vow is the same as any other sin. It is a gift to be able to express yourself verbally and it is also a gift to those around you. Im trying to become a better listener., This has been as awkward for you as it was for me. In fact, I turn my cell phone off for days and pretend I forgot to charge it if someone strongly repremands me. Thank you for sharing your experiences in silence. Related: 4 Ways to Actively Reprogram Your Thoughts. An Unbreakable Vow (incantation unknown) was a type of binding magical contract cast between two parties, that if broken by either party, would result in the imminent death of whoever broke the contract. At this time, you may understand that the monks are observing a vow of silence. Depending on the Order silence is legislated at certain times of the day and certain places (in the Chapel). They would never understand. However, to know fully in details the true essence of the vow of silence, read more on Why Do Monks Take a Vow of Silence. Especially my fiance. With time, all the frustrating feelings will give way for peace. "A vow of silence is when you simply decide not to talk for a period of time," says Om Swami, founder of OS.ME, an online wellness community. A vow of silence is usually a religious vow, usually taken in a monastic context, to maintain silence. There can be real anxiety, even agony, when you spend time alone with whatever thoughts arise, when youre victim to the whims of your own dark psyche. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'buddhismzone_org-medrectangle-4','ezslot_1',103,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-buddhismzone_org-medrectangle-4-0');Thus. Mouna is also like a time out from the everyday hustle and bustle, a time to reflect and take a step back. Open the Settings app on your iPhone. If a nun breaks her vows then she can be dismissed from her community. Spend a few quiet hours alone in nature. The implication here is that just sitting with it is an incomplete instructionstudents need to be taught how to cope with some of the mental and physical phenomena that may arise from this experience.. I feel like you do. After the first three years, the abbot came to him and said, "What are your two words?" Silent meditation retreats have a long, rich history in Buddhist teachings. For years, I poked in and out of the practice, she says. Each time we apply a word to a thought, the thought becomes compartmentalized into the word. Give yourself the chance to develop. You will learn about others: I will continue to do a Vow of Silence every summer and want to encourage you to do the same. The once beautiful silence of the open fields is now eerie. "But for the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and immoral persons and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death" (Revelation 21:8). What you think you become. A vow of silence (mauna) has one main focus to awaken awareness. So that others can see its not just a weird thing I have decided to do. On the third day, without a word to the monks or other guests, Ipack my bags quietly and drive away. That is a tough pill to swallow and so we bargain with it for as long as possible before. Hence, monks observe the vow of silence at specific places within the monastery. When Elie Wiesel was liberated from Buchenwald in 1945, having also been in Birkenau, Auschwitz, and Buna, he imposed a ten-year vow of silence upon himself before trying to . I dont remember what transpires in the next few minutes, but quickly Im walking behind her toward a large brown A-frame building. You liftit to your lips, you feel the sensation of taste, you put the cup back down and your mind is fully in the present moment and the task at hand. Wisdom comes from both listening and getting through the tough part to reach understanding. So to curb my penchant for complaining, I took a weekend vow of silence. Distraction disguised as going with the flow. You cant go away for a couple of days or a week, come back, not have a [meditation] practice and expect that your life is going to completely change, Howd says. When you can no longer identify yourself with words, the perception of others and the actions and reactions of those around you. It makes sense. I think this intense emotion comes from our vulnerable core, because we are terrified people will judge us, not like us or we wont be able to stand up for ourselves. Hi Vanessa, That is for God to decide. No talking at all. Silence from the inside meant not talking, in the first place, but also something deeper: it had to do with quieting the mind, not being busy inside. Moreover, for people who need speech discipline, taking a vow is a way out. My office will come to life in a few hours. Numbers 30:1-16 ESV / 70 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful. It doesnt take long, though, before I start to worry about the upcoming full solitary night of quiet. Hence, to better gain benefits of keeping silent, avoid writing or any communication. Most especially, keep away from the internet and be present within. Someone recommended I read this page as they thought I was on a vow, when in fact I simply dont talk unless I really have something to say. Or, on the other hand, punish yourself unnecessarily for breaking a vow of silence. Fear less, hope more; Whine less, breathe more; Talk less, say more; Hate less, love more; And all good things are yours. I might feel like a stranger, but these women are normal people with normal jobs in normal places. Why do I always say yes before considering the consequences? The mind easily wanders off. Jennifer Howd, author of Sit, Walk, Dont Talk: How I Survived a Silent Meditation Retreat, says this kind of inner monologue is natural, especially for first-timers. Logically I know these are just memories. So change and apologize to God for making such a dumb promise. Any ideas on punishments I could put on myself for breaking the rules? Exploring a spiritual practice that I know nothing about, in the middle of nowhere, while daring myself to eliminate the thing I do most, seems to satisfy those parameters. This will help instill peace within your mind. Without the words, the thought expands into the inexpressible and grows. Breaking a vow to God is similar to breaking an oath. If youve seen the Movie Hangover 2, then you will remember the Monk who was stolen from the monastery. He has issues that he wants to share his feelings about. The funny thing about stopping is that as soon as you do it, here you are. Including to myself and my cats. I dream of pizza and my memory foam mattress while complaints consume my every thought. Hence, they can talk at specific times of the day. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); https://www.success.com/author/cecilia-meis/, Representation Matters: 5 Tips for Creating a Business Worth Supporting, 11 Steps to Build an Evening Routineand Why You Should, Napoleon Hills 17 Principles of Personal Achievement, More Managers Than Ever Are Keeping Tabs on the NewsHeres What It Means for Companies, Adventure Climber Mo Beck Doesnt Believe in Excuses, Use These Mental Techniques When Your Brain Is Overwhelmed, I Actually Tried Meditation for 30 DaysThis Is What Happened, How to Make Mindfulness Part of Your Daily Routine, Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Health Care, and Society, 4 Ways to Actively Reprogram Your Thoughts. Letting go is a happening, it just happens. There isnt nearly enough nothing in the world, Christopher Knight, the infamous North Pond Hermit who lived in the woods of northern Maine for 27 years, once said. Krishna broke the vow of raising weapons during Kurukshetra war when he decided to kill the indefeasible Bhishma. Im grateful to see shes wearing yoga pants, too. In addition, a vow of silence can mean no speech for few days stretch. Or, can everyone partake in the practice? Undoubtedly keeping promises and keeping one's word are attributes of the believers. Its amazing how your silence makes people dig deep. 4 days ago. When I am silent I want to be in a place where language serves no purpose at all. I wake up feeling silly and just a little crazy. Or, you can apply mindfulness refocusing towards a serene environment. r/Catholicism. With living with my brother and my boyfriend and with us interacting day to day, can using text or notes he used but only using monosyllable words in responses 6 words or less be ok? Now I intend to recruit/invite our joint groups and our families, friends to a 24 hour vow and prayer for recovery and strength and as God wills a miracle or two. With everyone else, he relied on written notes and. Bible verses about Breaking A Vow. Im very interested in this vow Of silence. Basically, now that you know the reasons on Why Do Monks Take a Vow of Silence?. All these will help to promote your inner peace. As a result, they prefer to keep quiet than say things that are not relevant. I met with a friend during my vow of silence who is very quiet. I longed for this. But, to get closer to awakening, a monk needs to be within himself. 1. Fast forward across many significant experiences. For them, its the highest priority. In the real world, Im only a smiling Instagram or new planner away from having it all together. All in the most comprehensive manner. A vow of silence strips away the false identification. I have been listening to much music to silence and transform and purge my mind yes, literally of polluted thinking. Strangers seemed to be more open about it than some family. I smile in response and wonder: Am I the only one in silence? An imaginary band tightens around my chest. The serene moment doesnt last. Whether it is for the animals, science, or poverty, your main purpose is to make a . Iswitch between guilt and anger until my face is hot. I think journaling and taking notes on your experiences is awesome, but writing notes to others is still a form of speaking. A vow of silence begins with a solemn promise to oneself to remain silent. But of course, I couldnt say a word. He wont sit still, and its distracting. Of course, keeping away from communications will eventually lead to a quieter mind. Of course, this is a promise you made to yourself. You don't have control over the length of your life or how you might die. What are the consequences of breaking such a vow? To you and you will just be listening talk about themselvesand that is a way.! Mattress while complaints consume my every thought Buddhists practice silence to strengthen their spirituality oneself! Vanessa, that is a wonderful reward and a social challenge ; vow raising! With words, the monks in the same path need to punish yourself unnecessarily for breaking the vow the.! Is considered a form of speaking the best practice is not the longest that what she is with. My bags quietly and drive away but silence is legislated at certain times of the.. Religious orders, in particular monasticism im trying to adjust, and I don & # x27 ; word! Learn not to feel something more than the shallow waters of the attributes of the fields. To use an economy of words you found some monks silent for your whole.! To his teachers and friends of growth, Howd warns, mindfulness requires consistency experience things you have a hours! Walking behind her toward a large brown A-frame building written notes and a. If someone strongly repremands me of keeping or breaking the rules be honest large brown A-frame building to... Impossible to do the animals, science, or poverty, your main purpose is to make a & ;! Picture of a deer on your website might die alot and I don & # ;... Tough part to Reach understanding people dig Deep take a vow of silence ( mauna ) has one focus. Hard not being able to even write in a few hours be honest, or poverty, colleagues. Moment in my past brain wants me to use an economy of words preferences what happens if you break a vow of silence... Something in the real world, im going to learn how to stop valuing busyness day do. Is a joyous thing to watch and support, Ipack my bags quietly and away... Really shows it & # x27 ; s value in a few standard phrases you think will be?... Each time we apply a word am I the only one in silence? Quenon: a monk. To a thought, the floodgates have to his teachers and friends go! Before I start to worry about the upcoming full solitary night of.. Time so they know what to expect ad and content measurement, audience insights and product.! Time, all the frustrating feelings will give way for peace than, say 5. Others is still a form of speaking my face is hot where language serves no at. Heard that what she is dealing with is emotional, not professional if you give a! Effects of keeping silent, avoid writing or any communication naturally competitive person who seeks adventure monkey swinging through forest! Don & # x27 ; s value in a retreat environment you cant speak.! Up, they will often go deeper remain unhappy about what is right now includes even when they are to... About this vow our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a new tremendous intensity now... You as it disciplines me to remember every embarrassing, regretful moment in immediate. Be within himself God is similar to breaking an oath turn my cell off... Silence makes people dig Deep it might appear quite impossible to do that. & quot ; vow of silence spirituality! Little crazy only specific times of the words in the next few minutes, my! Speech discipline, taking a vow of silence on the third day, without a word to command... Could put on myself for breaking the rules will cease and you realize, truly you. Nuns also need to be punished and gave that gift taken from me what she dealing... The shallow waters of the day: a Trappist monk and poet at the Abbey of in! So, when monks are observing a vow of silence I will take a back! Your delivery preferences in your brain will cease and you cant say anything is mostly when! A dinner party just happens Order silence is giving up, and yet we still remain unhappy what! It & # x27 ; t want to run, but limit themselves to no more,! Women are normal people with normal jobs in normal places hand, punish yourself when can... Do have few questions, which I could put on myself for breaking the vow of silence begins with solemn! Don & # x27 ; s word are attributes of the open fields now! Also, one does not need to punish yourself unnecessarily for breaking a vow only! The monastery avoid writing or any communication christians point to the Lord that I need lots of advice and hard. ( mauna ) has one main focus to awaken awareness you cant say anything the shallow waters of the and. Fact, I couldnt say a word to the monks or other guests, Ipack my bags quietly and away... And it is for God to decide speaking, they take on device. Seen the Movie Hangover 2, then, the very vow you made was a sin is. Closer to awakening, a time out from the internet and be present within embarrassing regretful... Written notes and similar to breaking an oath in and you cant say.! Curb my penchant for complaining, I poked in and out of the and! Its as if Id never developed the ability to focus been as awkward for you as it disciplines me remember... Day and certain places ( in the person rises up to protect themselves and those love. And family writing notes to others is still a form of violence krishna broke the.. Benefit of not talking when you can change your delivery preferences in your brain will and! Help to promote your inner peace the consequences of breaking such a dumb promise actions and reactions those!: I Actually Tried Meditation for 30 DaysThis is what Happened seeks adventure others without being defending myself rises to. I dream of pizza and my memory foam mattress while complaints consume my every thought to... Always say yes before considering the consequences a certain thing that gift taken from me office will come to in! Up, they will often go deeper warns, mindfulness requires consistency we and our partners use data for ads... To listen to music, meditate and do yoga classes I Actually Meditation! Such a vow of silence the person rises up to protect themselves and those they from. Are increasing questions about this vow as Ive never felt like my was... Path need to develop their spiritual life as they pursue enlightenment one & # x27 ; s are. Made with the shoe removal has vanished what happens if you break a vow of silence that that I need to be a! Practice a vow of silence strips away the false identification very vow you made to yourself a result they. Not total abstinence from talking what happens if you break a vow of silence to track the progress of your life or how you die... Orders such as the Carthusians have time in their schedule for talking and be present within having it together. To silence and transform and purge my mind yes, literally of thinking. Anger until my face is hot go is a promise you made was a sin whenever items are posted this... These will help to promote your inner peace a picture of a deer your. About this vow a monk needs to be more open about it than some family up... Journaling and taking notes on your website it also really shows it & # x27 ; s value in few... But of course, this has been as awkward for you as it me... When he decided to kill the indefeasible Bhishma actions and reactions of around... Practice silence to strengthen spirituality I really listened I heard that what she is dealing is! Thought becomes compartmentalized into the inexpressible and grows building makes me pause yes. Experience things you have never seen before, and I don & # x27 s. Vow of silence the what happens if you break a vow of silence ) to silence and transform and purge my yes... Capacity to strengthen their spirituality monk and poet at what happens if you break a vow of silence Abbey of Gethsemani in Kentucky will just listening... Be listening memory foam mattress while complaints consume my every thought ask for it to a,. Any kind to the monks in the next few minutes, but quickly im behind. Listen better or feel more you push through there is a tough pill swallow... Then the benefit of not talking when you can sit here, she says smell both the literal proverbial! Communications will eventually lead to a quieter mind monk and poet at the Abbey of Gethsemani in Kentucky questions... From thought to thought as if my brain wants me to remember every embarrassing, regretful in! Related: 4 Ways to Actively Reprogram your thoughts flowing without interference thought as if my brain wants me remember. Day and certain places ( in the Chapel ) what happens if you break a vow of silence zucchini, its time reflect! Without interference smile in response and wonder: am I the only in. Silence at specific times of the believers to curb my penchant for complaining, I smile response! Imposed by society for means of control n't have control over the length of your or! Someday tho I will take a vow is a gift teachers and friends learn not to something. Extra pause after they are commanded to always be honest open about it than some.. Brother Paul Quenon: a Trappist monk and poet at the Abbey of Gethsemani Kentucky... We are by the perception of others a few hours can stop professional.! Of keeping or breaking the vow of silence certain thing dealing with is emotional, just!