Book Review: A Sunlit Absence

I have read quite a few books about contemplation and people who practice it as I have become one of those people.  For me, those books often tend to be fairly conceptual and a little cosmic, and not to include much accessible or tangible help. It can be challenging to talk or write clearly about contemplation and silence.

A Sunlit Absence by Martin Laird is a companion volume to his 2006 book, Into the Silent Land.  While each book stands on its own, I recommend that both of them. Together, these books give clear, insightful descriptions of and help with contemplation and the contemplative life.  Each has made dramatic contributions to my own contemplative practices.

Subtitled Silence, Awareness, and Contemplation, A Sunlit Absence begins with a brief description of the first volume.  From that foundation, the author explores the deeper and wider context of awareness, and the ways in which silence and contemplation help our awareness grow.

Each section illustrates the experiences of specific individuals which describe how some people recognize the benefits of contemplative life. For example, in a chapter about boredom, he describes the experiences of two people which he opens to show deeper truths about boredom in contemplation. The personal stories help me connect with the depth of awareness and contemplation in more practical ways.

I think the chapter I appreciate the most is called The Open Porches of the Mind, and focuses on silence and noise. The chapter describes the varieties of silence, and all the things silence does other than be quiet. It also talks about how practicing little silences each day helps prepare us to receive what the deeper Silence gas to offer.

I have begun to learn the lessons of silence, awareness, and contemplation; I am a beginner. The magnitude of what they offer can be overwhelming, and very intimidating. A Sunlit Absence helps me work through that intimidation and experience the depth and richness that is there.

What helps you overcome your obstacles to depth and richness in your own life?