Interesting. Always felt too that chapels are very underused—they have become monuments, or museums, or relics of the past. People observe them, but don’t use them to their own benefit. Whereas it is the only piece of architecture where the function is precisely to do nothing; nothing of the world’s ordinary affairs. Moreover: to be a refuge from it; to shut it out, and have quietude for thought, rest, reflection, contemplation.
I think there has been a shift in the thinking about the architecture of holy spaces. Where once the idea was to “shut the world out” now there is frequently the desire to bring nature into the space. It’s an interesting shift that tells us something about both the past and the present.
When things are busy and the environment loud, sometimes you can't play catch up. Silence is beautiful. It helps so much to open our minds and shift through our thoughts. Thanks for the read.
I really loved this exploration of silence, Sherry!
Reminds me of something I once wrote about silence: "If you have ever been around a crying baby, you know that silence is the most beautiful sound in the entire universe. No 'Ode to Joy,' no 'Requiem' and no 'Brandenburg Concerto' can hold a candle to the sound of silence. Silence isn’t inefficient at all. During times of great tragedy, words might fail us. A moment of silence can console an entire crowd."
Beautiful! I live in the Adirondack mountains of New York where I’m surrounded by 300,000 acres of wilderness. This is my sanctuary. I specially love it when it is buried in deep snow. I’ve often said that what I love about snow the most is it creates a silence so deep you can hear it. You paint a beautiful picture of the role of silence in shaping our deeper experience of life, thank you for the reminder of its importance. Blessings!
Silence and places like chapels are useful for sure when every other environment we are in is filled with noise and distraction, where we cannot think straight. to me the goal is to be able to "think straight." I don't particularly seek silence, but I do seek breaks. Usually when I am able to step away from something for a little while, I come back with a clearer perspective. If I am given the opportunity to sleep on it, even better.
I find I am rarely envious anymore but I admit to chapel envy reading this beautiful piece Sherry! Thank you for sharing these gorgeous pictures. I can't imagine the balm for your soul after a busy day, the nurturing you give yourself by being present in this space.
Interesting. Always felt too that chapels are very underused—they have become monuments, or museums, or relics of the past. People observe them, but don’t use them to their own benefit. Whereas it is the only piece of architecture where the function is precisely to do nothing; nothing of the world’s ordinary affairs. Moreover: to be a refuge from it; to shut it out, and have quietude for thought, rest, reflection, contemplation.
I think there has been a shift in the thinking about the architecture of holy spaces. Where once the idea was to “shut the world out” now there is frequently the desire to bring nature into the space. It’s an interesting shift that tells us something about both the past and the present.
You have a way with words. That was very beautiful
I love that feeling of silence, why do we forget it’s available to us?
I have an urge to sit in my local church
We hear the answers we are searching for in silence because we are only then open up to listening to them.
When things are busy and the environment loud, sometimes you can't play catch up. Silence is beautiful. It helps so much to open our minds and shift through our thoughts. Thanks for the read.
I really loved this exploration of silence, Sherry!
Reminds me of something I once wrote about silence: "If you have ever been around a crying baby, you know that silence is the most beautiful sound in the entire universe. No 'Ode to Joy,' no 'Requiem' and no 'Brandenburg Concerto' can hold a candle to the sound of silence. Silence isn’t inefficient at all. During times of great tragedy, words might fail us. A moment of silence can console an entire crowd."
Beautiful! I live in the Adirondack mountains of New York where I’m surrounded by 300,000 acres of wilderness. This is my sanctuary. I specially love it when it is buried in deep snow. I’ve often said that what I love about snow the most is it creates a silence so deep you can hear it. You paint a beautiful picture of the role of silence in shaping our deeper experience of life, thank you for the reminder of its importance. Blessings!
Silence and places like chapels are useful for sure when every other environment we are in is filled with noise and distraction, where we cannot think straight. to me the goal is to be able to "think straight." I don't particularly seek silence, but I do seek breaks. Usually when I am able to step away from something for a little while, I come back with a clearer perspective. If I am given the opportunity to sleep on it, even better.
no argument from me!
I find I am rarely envious anymore but I admit to chapel envy reading this beautiful piece Sherry! Thank you for sharing these gorgeous pictures. I can't imagine the balm for your soul after a busy day, the nurturing you give yourself by being present in this space.