The photos above, which so eloquently convey silence, are by photographer Christopher LeClaire. You can see more of his work on his site: LeClairePhotography.com

For the past twenty-two years, on the first and third Mondays of each month, I have practiced silence, meaning that for twenty-four hours I do not speak.

The journey began on a winter day in 1992 when, without deliberation, planning, or expectations, and certainly with no idea it would become a personal odyssey of exploration and discovery, I decided to set aside a single day and go without talking.

This was a practice that has transformed my life and continues to do so, changing my life in ways I could not have imagined. 

It has been one of my greatest teachers, giving me a center from which to live, strengthening me, testing me, and facilitating deep healing.

Anne lectures on Silence, on Writing, and on the Creative Process.  She also leads workshops and retreats on the value of Silence, Deep Listening, and on Creative Writing and the Creative Life.

For a preview of Anne’s lectures on Silence, please click here.