• Write a response to this thought by Hermann Hesse: "Within you there is a stillness and a sanctuary to which you can retreat at any time and be yourself." Sit quietly with your journal. Go to that quiet place. If you want, draw a picture or describe the qualities of your inner silence.

• Write about an experience of silence. Where were you? Was it during a particular period of your life? Did you enjoy being silent? Did you find any part of the experience difficult? What did you learn? In other words, assess your aptitude for silence.

• Share a story about some time when you were able to tap into the potential of silence as a seedbed for creativity or inspiration.

• Have you ever found it was necessary to go away just to escape the noise of the modern world? Where did you go and what kind of silence did you encounter?

• What role has silence played in your spiritual development? If you were raised in a religious tradition, how was silence regarded?

• Eat a meal this week together in silence. Afterwards, discuss your experiences and decide whether to make this a regular part of your household routine.

• Sharing silence in a group context is a worthwhile discipline. Join a group or form one of your own. It could be organized around mindfulness practice, centering prayer, or just sitting in silence without any structure.

• Many communities, surprisingly, have few places where people can go to be quiet, safely, alone. Church sanctuaries used to provide this service, but many of them are locked during non-worship hours. Parks usually have areas designated for children's or dog runs but no places where someone seeking silence can go. Survey your community to identify places of peace and quiet. Then organize a group to develop other sanctuaries of silence.