The Gray Area with Sean Illing How to sink into silence
38 snips
Mar 10, 2025 
Pico Iyer, an esteemed essayist and travel writer, discusses the transformative power of silence. He shares personal experiences from living in a Catholic monastery after losing his home, emphasizing how silence can rejuvenate amid life's chaos. Iyer explores the interplay between inner peace and nature, advocating for self-emptying practices over ego-driven distractions. He highlights the spiritual freedom found in solitude and community, offering insights on how to incorporate stillness into our busy lives for deeper fulfillment.
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Iyer's Path to the Monastery
- Pico Iyer lost all his belongings, including his home, in a fire.
- This event led him to a Benedictine hermitage, which became his sanctuary for over 30 years.
Monastery as a Refuge
- The monastery welcomes people of all backgrounds seeking silence and contemplation.
- It offers simple rooms, private gardens, and a peaceful natural setting.
Openness of the Monks
- The monks at the monastery practice a contemplative form of Catholicism.
- They are open-minded and draw inspiration from various spiritual traditions.
