I don't know, I told him. In early Benedictine monasteries, someone would read aloud during mealtime. Many people were illiterate, so this was a quiet time for them to listen and learn.
Sometimes I look out the window at the garden outdoors.
Sunday, July 14, 2019
Silent Meals ... in the Convent
The convent I stayed in while taking the icon-making course (that I mentioned in yesterday's blog post) observes a tradition of eating in silence - meals with no conversation.
At first it seems strange, but there is actually something peaceful about it.
Why do they do it? one of my sons asked me...
I don't know, I told him. In early Benedictine monasteries, someone would read aloud during mealtime. Many people were illiterate, so this was a quiet time for them to listen and learn.
What do you think about while you're eating?
Sometimes I look out the window at the garden outdoors.
Mostly I think about the food - I pay attention to the flavors and textures... more than if I'm busy talking!
I don't know, I told him. In early Benedictine monasteries, someone would read aloud during mealtime. Many people were illiterate, so this was a quiet time for them to listen and learn.
Sometimes I look out the window at the garden outdoors.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment