Discovering the power of quiet in a busy world

In Reclaiming Quiet (Baker Publishing Group), Sarah Clarkson offers an honest and truthful reflection of her journey towards holiness, inviting readers to rediscover the power of quiet in a busy world. Written in a beautiful and contemplative style, the author challenges us to consider the importance of cultivating stillness in our lives to draw closer to God.

In today’s culture, this idea of a cultivation of quiet, seems like a fleeing thought, often dismissed in the chaos of life. However, Clarkson not only captures such thoughts in an open and reflective way, but considers how important a quiet life is. Not only does it keep us in tune with God but it allows us to lean closer into him so we can hear his voice. The author goes beyond quiet as the absence of sound, but talks about quiet as: “open[ing] one up to the gift and wonder of the world”, stressing that  “our capacity to be quiet will shape the whole…way we come to love and trust the living God, to have a lively faith at all”.

Clarkson’s interest in St. Teresa of Avila and Brother Lawrence sparked her fascination with Celtic spirituality. She shares how she discovered that “a listening heart is the fundamental orientation of a Christian” and found stillness through soul-nourishing practices.But, as the noise of life grew louder, she lost the stillness she once cherished and it was during a period of pregnancy, illness and Covid-19 restrictions that eventually led to an altar moment with God. And it was this sacred experience around her friend’s vicarage kitchen table that allowed her to step in line with God’s footsteps, marking her journey to reigniting a journey of cultivating a life of quiet.

The book is a personal invitation to help readers rediscover the profound joy of living a life of holy attention and intention. It is divided into three main sections: the first explores Clarkson’s journey of learning to lead a quiet life, drawing on her experiences; the second examines what quiet might look like for individuals; and the third outlines the gifts of quiet, covering topics such as imagination, conviction, courage, and lament. 

Much of the content in Reclaiming Quiet grabs your attention. Clarkson emphasises the intentionality and the set apart nature of the Christian walk and reminds us that:  “[w]e are asked to shape our lives, our time, our attention by habits and rhythms radically different from the windblown fury of the broken world”. She also speaks of living an “alternate shape of life” - which is not just about minimising screens and other distractions, but embracing: “prayer..daily wonder…listening..trust…celebration” that “root us moment by moment in that deep, watchful quiet that ushers us into the presence of God”.

The book is full of practical strategies to help us realign our rhythms to one of stillness, listening and resting in God’s presence, with several questions at the end of the each chapter to ponder and reflect. For example, in order to be intentional about not being distracted by the world around us, Clarkson suggests the reader set aside a specific space for quiet.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is a follower of Jesus, looking for a resource to help them draw closer to him, remembering however, that it is the Holy Spirit that enables such transformation.

Reclaiming Quiet by Sarah Clarkson is out now