Stilte: The Dutch Art of Quietude

by Mirjam van der Vegt

Overview

We long for moments we can slow down and be still. 

Our days are often filled with too much noise, anxiety, and confusion. What do you do when your life isn’t what you expected it to be? What can you do to slow it all down? Stilte encourages readers to focus on stillness and literal silence, creating space for moments of peace.

Originally published in Dutch, Stilte reveals a grace-filled lifestyle. It shows practical ways for how to receive inner calmness and serenity. It brings you closer to the heart of yourself, other people, and God.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781546015789
Publisher:	Worthy
Publication date:	10/05/2021
Pages:	224
Sales rank:	606,005
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 6.10(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Former journalist, Mirjam van der Vegt has been intrigued by silence and its use in the monastic traditions. During a difficult time in her life, she decided to dedicate herself to unraveling the mysteries surrounding silence. Over the years she has written several books on the topic. She has led numerous retreats and training sessions in which participants learn to bring mindfulness, peace, and contemplation into their personal daily practice.
 

Editorial Reviews

08/02/2021

In this soothing guide, Dutch meditation teacher Van der Vegt (Shadow Flight) celebrates the Christian monastic tradition of silence and slowing down in order to find the peace of God. Van der Vegt uses the metaphor of descending a spiritual staircase to explain the process of achieving “contemplative silence”; the first step is calming relief after a hectic day, then one struggles to maintain the silence, and the final step is knowing one is beloved by God and that Jesus is constantly with those who embark on this lifelong journey. On the practical side, Van der Vegt suggests doing Christian walking meditation, introducing peace and quiet to children, ignoring the news cycle, and creating a 40-minute period of silence at home. Throughout are insightful suggestions (such as shaking a bottle of water filled with sand to consider the “cloudy vision” of turbulent times), and plenty of Bible quotes and interviews with theologians and monastic leaders. Christian readers will find this accessible guide an immersive way to enhance prayer. (Oct.)

Publishers Weekly