A minute or two of silence can often help a group reorient out of their disturbance to see and undertake a creative approach to the dissonance that has emerged in its midst. -- Tom
Silence can re-set the energy to deal well with challenge. - Tom
When stuck, a way to access common ground. --Tree
Sometimes you just KNOW that SOMETHING is needed but you don't know what it is. At that point suggesting a moment of silence, even when it thoroughly interrupts the flow, can be invaluable, creating a new beginning. -- Tom
Silence can be a powerful and effective way for a group to dwell with emotions --Sue
A moment of silence could be helpful in times of dissonance and difference. --Sue
Go deeper by stepping outside of regular material/linear life patterns and thought patterns into spirit-sensing, ritual and the arts. (an effect which is profoundly enhanced by silence -- Tom)
A well timed Silence, short or long, can shift energy and make space for Magic to emerge. -- Tom
Almost all listeners talk too much. Your own silence is a resource if you are really listening. It creates space for them to feel and articulate. Interrupt it only when you are losing track -- or are afraid you will -- or when they start repeating themselves, which means they aren't feeling heard. -- Tom
Silence can help you really hear someone. Silence can break a self-fueling chain of attacks. A well-framed silence can help the group reflect on the gifts and limitations of what has been said so far. -- Tom
Recognize and use the power of Silence to help you be fully present and to bring Presence to a group. -- Tom
Silence creates a space outside of ordinary space, where ordinary affairs can be set aside and deepening can occur. -- Tom
Self-awareness is often helped by silence. --Tree
The Quakers developed the art of people speaking out of a predominant silence. Some processes require a pause of 15-20 seconds before the next speaker speaks. Particularly in Spiritual contexts, Silence can play a profound role in Shared Airtime. -- Tom
When asking for people to take on roles, you can let silence intensify the pressure for someone to volunteer. See also Courageous Modeling. -- Tom
Silence is another "de-coupling" mode that can open us to new ways to look at things. (See also Spirit and Ritual which often serve to Shift us from our usual perspectives.) -- Tom
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