After the roaring windstorm of yesterday afternoon, this morning there is a steady light snow that muffles any sound.  The birds are tucked away keeping warm, and the deer move quietly as they browse for breakfast.

Either my mood matches the day or my spirit is one with the world outside my door, but today is a quiet day for me as well.  One of the things I love most about living here is the silence.  There are times when the house is so quiet that I can hear the ticking of the stovepipe warming and cooling.  When I step outside the only sound is the slight crunch under foot with each step.  It is not just the lack of sound but the stillness solid as the mountains rising up behind me. There is such serenity in silence, the deep quiet of the woods translates to a deep quietness in my soul.

This is a piece of the puzzle I have not appreciated enough, I think.  Feeling joy, elation, excitement, enthusiasm, all have great value in the inner life of a truly happy person; but the deep resonations of a quietude are the fine covering overlaying the joyful noise that allow me to appreciate all moments and incorporate each into a way of being.  Silence is more soothing than the gentlest lullaby.  Today I will cherish the silence.