Amy Frykholm: Encountering the Wilderness of Silence
Aug 26, 2021
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Amy Frykholm, an American writer and senior editor for The Christian Century, discusses her books on American religion, including her newest release 'Wild Woman: A Footnote, the Desert, and My Quest for an Elusive Saint.' She explores the connection between silence and Christianity, the transformative power of nature, similarities between Tibetan Buddhism and Christianity, and her relationship with silence through poetry. The podcast also touches on the process of publishing and invites support on Patreon.
Silence is a substance that accumulates and has transformative power in personal growth and inner transformation.
Exploring figures like Julian of Norwich and Mary of Egypt reveals the importance of seeking silence and solitude to discover new perspectives and inner landscapes.
Deep dives
The Power of Silence in Personal Transformation
Amy Frickholm discusses her lifelong relationship with silence and its transformative impact. She recounts her first encounter with silence as a child in church and how it sparked a lifelong journey of learning and exploration. Amy shares her experience of being introduced to silent prayer by her father and how it became an integral part of her life. She also delves into her contemplative biographies of figures like Julian of Norwich and Mary of Egypt, highlighting the role of silence in their lives and her process of telling their stories. Throughout the episode, Amy emphasizes the importance of silence in personal growth and the connection between silence, presence, and inner transformation.
Rediscovering the True Essence of Silence
Amy delves into her exploration of figures like Julian of Norwich and Mary of Egypt in her writing. She reveals her initial perceptions and how she unraveled the traditional narratives surrounding these figures. Amy shares her fascination with Julian of Norwich's experience of finding relief and peace within the confines of her anchorage, which challenged conventional notions of confinement. She also takes us through her journey into the wilderness of Egypt, mirroring the path of Mary of Egypt, integrating silence and solitude into the pilgrimage. Through her experiences, Amy emphasizes the importance of seeking silence and solitude to explore our own inner landscapes and find new perspectives.
The Layers and Connections of Silence
Amy reflects on the multi-layered nature of her writing process and the connections she explores in her book. She discusses the concept of beholding versus glancing, inspired by her exploration of Mary of Egypt's life. Amy explains her intention of offering a corrective to conventional interpretations of anchorites as dead to the world, emphasizing the importance of silence and solitude in their lives. She shares her experience of integrating silence into her own practice through encounters with different spots associated with Mary of Egypt's life. Amy also delves into the concept of silence heroes and highlights the influence of Thomas Keating and his teachings on deepening her own practice of silence.
Transformative Silence and Self-Rejection
Amy explores the concept of self-rejection and its association with figures like Mary of Egypt. She delves into the tensions she encountered when interpreting Mary's story, initially perceiving it as a path of self-loathing and shame. Amy grapples with the traditional icon of Mary as a repentant sinner and embraces the transformative power of desire and the fulfillment it brings. She emphasizes that Mary's story is not about self-rejection but rather a journey of self-transformation. Amy also discusses her personal practice of silence and the insights she gained from theologian Thomas Keating, reframing silence as a space free from inner commentary, allowing for deeper connection and transformation.