Silence is rare and quiet environments are not always easy to find. But it seems that many people prefer it that way. Silence is perhaps a bit like solitude, not everyone has yet learned to appreciate it.

I recall visiting the city of Petra in Jordan. It is an ancient, majestic, magical site. On that evening, the passage to Al Khazneh, the astounding temple carved into rock, was to be lit by candlelight. The pathway followed a narrow gorge which meanders through smooth, undulating walls of rose colored sandstone. The opportunity to partake in such a stroll was likely for many to be once in a lifetime. The attendant asked that the visitors walk in silence so that we could focus on the experience. I believe less than a minute passed before the majority of the people began engaging in everyday chatter.

The pace of my steps slowed behind them and then stopped altogether. I waited. The voices ebbed, until they could no longer be heard.

I continued to walk slowly and stopped often. I took my time gazing and marveling at the colors and forms. There was silence and nothing to distract me from the wonders. I was completely absorbed.