We all receive silent messages. You may be aware of them or you may not. Paying attention to the silent messages in my life has made a tremendous positive difference. It has helped me to be more loving with my thoughts, my words, and my actions. I now continue to go with the natural flow of life more often. This is what I want for you.

These words were originally written in a journal as a gift for my daughter, Leanne, and dedicated to her and her two daughters Shayna and Brianna. Eventually, I felt guided to share with others these thoughts and feelings from my own personal experiences. As they have helped to guide me along my journey, it is my hope that there may be something of value in these words for you as well.

Silent Messages

By Dean Peiffer

Balboa Press

Copyright © 2010 Dean Peiffer
All right reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4525-0024-9

Chapter One

Being receptive


It would likely seem obvious that the degree to which
we are receptive to the silent messages in our lives
would dictate the role they would play.
(whether major or minor)

I would suggest that our first course of action would be
to remove a lot of the "noise" in our lives.

(you can read more about my thoughts on this in
"moments of silence" section)

As you lessen the noise in your life, your awareness will
naturally increase as you seem to receive more silent
messages.

We should strive to be open-minded towards all silent
messages.

Sometimes, we see only what we want to see.
This can restrict our sight and keep us from seeing what
is "real".

As you work on being receptive,
try to be open to all possibilities.
Don't restrict yourself to only what you think they
should be.


Example:
If a truck cuts in front of you while you're driving, and
you respond by getting angry and beeping the horn -
while your focus is on the truck, in your frustration,
you may be missing the message on the bumper sticker
that just got put in front of your face.

Of course, one could become a bit obsessive and get
so caught up in this type of thinking ... and seemingly
find a "message" in everything.

Just relax ... be patient. They will come.

Your silent messages will be there.

As we become more aware and "receive" our messages,
we will need to decide what to do with those messages
... how we will react.

Maybe we won't like the messages. As always ... there
are choices.

We can choose to ignore them, and simply pretend
they didn't happen ... that they don't mean anything.

Or, we can accept them and act on them. Learning
from them, allowing our silent messages to guide us in
our lives and with our personal growth.

This will often take great courage ... discipline ...
consistent efforts ... trust ... patience ... and a "leap of
faith".

Example:

I have watched a baby bird
stand on the edge of his nest,
watching the other birds flying around.

He didn't seem to know if he could fly or not.

He would continue not to know until he decided to
take that leap of faith ...
to open his wings and jump.

Of course, it is his nature to fly. I knew he could do it
... that he would be fine.
But, he still had to find the courage to do it ...

to take that "leap of faith".


Moments of Silence

We can all benefit tremendously by regularly choosing
moments of silence in our lives.

Our lives can become very busy with seemingly no
time for ourselves.

Developing the daily habit of consciously creating
some quiet time for ourselves can truly be life
changing.

It will help you to connect more deeply with your
heart-your intuition.

This will be of great value to you. Your direction will
feel more clear.

Minimizing the "noise" in your life and increasing the
silence will help you to become more aware of the
silent messages that surround you.


Minimizing the noise ...

Let's take a closer look at some of the "noise" that may
be in our lives.

Being more aware of our habits will be the first step
towards consciously creating more quiet time for
ourselves.

Consider some daily choices of ours that we may not
give much thought to. Choices that may be simply
"out of habit".

We'll start with reflecting on the amount of time we
choose to spend with our electronics. Of course this
will vary from day to day.
So let's focus our attention on
what we do in general.

By electronics I'm referring to ...

television
video games
cell phones
computers (internet)
cd players
radios
ipods

All great tools for communicating,
learning and entertainment.

All fine in moderation.

We just need to be more conscious of the amount of
time we are choosing to spend here.


Let's ask ourselves a few questions ...

Is it positive quality time well spent?

Is it sometimes just out of habit?

Does it have a negative impact on some of
our relationships with others?

Does it feel as if our "energy" is being drained?

Is it keeping us from healthy interactions
with others?

Allow me to share what I feel are some examples of
unnecessary "noise" in our lives.

Surfing on the television or the internet in an attempt
to find "something" to occupy our time. (maybe even
while talking on the phone)

Getting involved with a long, drawn out, meaningless
conversation of
blah ... blah ... blah ...

Spending hours upon hours playing video games or
sitting on the computer.

Flipping from one radio station to another
or listening to the meaningless commercials.

I've seen people driving, listening to music AND
talking on the phone ...
all at the same time!

Too much noise!!

Again, there's nothing wrong with utilizing the tools
of modern technology.
What I'm talking about is taking a closer look at the
"noisy" choices that sometimes develop out of habit.

There's nothing wrong with a lengthy telephone
conversation with someone you haven't spoken with
in a long time or who you really enjoy exchanging
"good" energy with.

But, it can be the gossip and the negative energy that
can wear on you.

It's not what you do some of the time, but what you
choose to do most of the time that counts.

A few things to consider ...


It's ok to drive in silence

just because you own a cell phone, it doesn't need to
be "on" all the time.
(you're not "on call" unless you choose to be)

you don't need to turn on the television as soon as
you wake up, or right when you
walk in the door.

and ... you definitely don't need it entertaining you as
you're lying in bed,
right before you go to sleep.

please ...

please ...
minimize the noise.

Just try it ...

You'll be glad you did,
as you begin to enjoy
more of the silent messages
around you.

Let's talk about creating or simply
allowing moments of silence into our
lives.


Nature ...

Spending time in nature is a great, very natural way to
enjoy moments of silence.

This could be as simple as spending time
in your own backyard
(depending how quiet it is)
or
at a park going for a walk in the woods, camping,
hiking.
More choices include spending time at the beach, by a
river, pond, or stream.

There's just something about spending some quiet
time in nature that seems to connect us to the "bigger
picture" ... the universe.

If you feel the need to take your phone with you, try
to leave it turned off. Otherwise, leave it at home. It's
ok - they'll leave a message.

You may notice that after you've spent some time
relaxing quietly in nature, that you will feel more of a
sense of calm.

Sometimes, you may suddenly have a revelation as to
how to handle a situation that you've been trying to
work through.

You may also have some creative ideas that seem to
just come to you.

Maybe how you feel about things that might have
been on your mind will become more clear.

... these are silent messages.


Sleep ...

Sleep ... what better way to take some quiet time ...
some would say "there's not"!

Good quality sleep is an extremely important part of
our daily lives ...

regular, sufficient sleep ...
(waking up naturally without the alarm clock)
will lend itself towards feeling well-rested.

add in a little nutrition
and you are able to enjoy
a good quality of life
with plenty of energy,

and ...

... if you are so inclined,
feel free to treat yourself to a nap.

I've heard one satisfied customer once refer to naps as
being "fun".

Even the shortest ones may help to rejuvenate you so
you can remain fully alert
during your waking hours.

Sleep ... at all stages,
will naturally lend itself to
dreams and visions,
and the possibility of
waking with an idea,
a thought, or a "knowing".


... all silent messages.


Meditation ...

"Most importantly
before anything else ...
meditate."

(words I actually received during meditation)

If you're not already doing it, I would like to strongly
encourage you to develop a consistent daily practice
of meditation.
Simply sit in silence.

It will help you to be more aware of and more receptive
to your silent messages.


(The following words came to me in a dream ...)

"The meditation session needs to be
honored and respected.
People should feel that
they want to be part of it ...
that it's their choice."

Of course, there are many ways to meditate ...

laying, sitting, walking, various forms of chanting and
guided visualizations, etc.

I would suggest that you experiment with the various
forms, and go with the one
that works for you.

... choose whatever best helps you to focus and calm
your "mind chatter".

Whatever you choose, finding the time for meditation
may be the single, most valuable habit you can develop
for yourself,
as you move towards being more connected with your
own silent messages.

The following words were an intuitive response from
me to another seeking some guidance ...

"taking some quiet time for yourself will lead you
to the understanding that the answers to all of your
questions lie within yourself."

Sit in silence
sounds simple ... and it is.
but, it's going to take some effort.

You will need to be ...

Consistent - daily practice should be the goal.

Patient - it will seem easier some days than others.

Persevere - hang in there you can do it!

Please ...
be patient with yourself and the process.

Do your best to dismiss any frustrations or
intimidations that may arise.

Remember your goal ...
the quiet connection with

Your inner self
Your higher self
The universe
Your soul
God

collective consciousness

(whatever you comfortably relate to)
(whatever feels "right" to you)

As you develop the daily habit of taking some quiet
time for yourself, it will be best to be consistent with
your practice.

Begin with something that's doable ...
as little as a few minutes if you need to.

Initially, your focus is on creating the habit. At the
start of your day would be best.
However, it would be most important to choose a time
of day that you are willing to be consistent with.
(you may find better results with this approach rather
than just trying to fit it in whenever.)

There will always be benefit to any efforts you make
towards connecting with your inner self ... and your
silent messages.

Some people have a concern about falling asleep while
sitting in silence.

There would seem to be an advantage here in the
seated position. Laying down to meditate may lend
itself towards the more likely possibility of falling
asleep.

I personally have fallen asleep
in the seated position.
But, the way I see it,
even if you do fall asleep
it was not a waste of your time.
You were successfully able to quiet your mind.


again ... the goal is silence.

At times, while meditating, you may feel as if you did
not fall asleep, but you really were not "awake" either.
You found yourself somewhere "in-between."

... Just allow what "is" to "be".


(The following is from "A Course in Miracles")

"Sit quietly and close your eyes.
The light within you is sufficient.
It alone has power to give
the gift of sight to you.
Exclude the outer world, and
let your thoughts fly to the peace within.
They know the way"

Relax ... and close your eyes.

As you sit in silence, there will be times that your
mind will attempt to "entertain" you with a variety of
thoughts.

This may be a list of things you recently
accomplished. Possibly, a list of things to do. Maybe
any issues you may
currently be dealing with.
It may even try to predict the future.

Simply smile and tell it "no thank you."
It can be a challenge. It likely won't be easy.
It will seem easier some days than others.
That's ok ... It's still worthwhile.
Try not to get frustrated.

Be patient with yourself.
It will take practice.
Be consistent with your efforts.

I have found it to be quite helpful
to focus on my breath in an effort to
quiet the "mind chatter."
A slow, deliberate inhale ... then exhale.
You may try this with little or no success.
Your mind is very clever.

It is worth mentioning again to be patient with
yourself and consistent with your efforts.
In time, with practice,
it will become more doable.
There will be days that sitting for five minutes will feel
like an hour. And other days, that hour will seem like
five minutes.
Allow it to be as it is.
Do your best and be content with that.
Then ... move about your day.

I have been sitting in silence for many years. It took
me a long time, and a lot of patience and effort before
I "got something".

I was once advised to allow "it" to come to me ... and
not to "go after it".
This has proven to be good advice.
Try not to have any expectations.

You may ask yourself ...
how do you know the difference
between a "message" and wishful thinking?
In other words ... how do you know that you did not
create the whole thing in your mind?

All I can simply say here is ...
You will have a "knowing."
You will just know.

It is my opinion that disappointment, frustration, and
anger will hinder your receptiveness to your silent
messages.

It will be very exciting to see "lights" and "visions".
Similar to dreams, they may be moving, like a movie.
Or, they may be still like a photograph.
Occasionally, you may hear a voice or get goose
bumps. You may smell something familiar. Try not to
get too excited. Stay relaxed, receptive, and observe.
You may actually find this easy to do, as you will likely
be in a "zone". Being in a zone will automatically lend
itself towards more focus. Once you "get something"
and then as you continue your daily practice you find
that you "get nothing." Do not be discouraged!
Be patient. Again ... this is not entertainment. Keep
your ego out of it.
These silent messages are from your guidance. Give it
the respect it deserves.

Apply those messages that you do receive
to your life.

The more you do this ...
the more you'll get.


A word on "goose bumps".


For me, when I get goose bumps,
it has been a clear indication of
the presence of Spirit.

A word on "multiple messages" ...

At times, I've received multiple visions or messages
during a meditation session.
It has been my experience,
that it can be very challenging -
even impossible to try to remember
what I have "received", and
continue to sit in silence with a "quiet" mind.

I feel that when you do receive messages ...
you should write them down.
(We should not ignore our silent messages) Then,
make the choice whether or not
to return to meditating.

Note:
I have received multiple messages,
decided to come out of sitting to write them down,
then returned to my meditative state ... only to receive
more.
It doesn't always work that way ...
but, it can happen.

Since you are reading this ...
I know that you are looking for "guidance" ... your
own personal silent messages.

When they come, and I promise you they will, you
must really do your best at receiving
what you are given.
You should not act as if you didn't see them,
or hear them, or feel them.
Maybe you did not get exactly what you were
"looking" for ... what you had in mind ...
or what you were hoping for.
But that's what I mean about
opening your heart, your ears, your mind, and being
receptive to that which you do receive.

We don't know the "bigger picture".

Some of our toughest lessons are
patience and trust.
Trusting that things truly will unfold
in our best interest
(as they always are.)
... in the manner and time frame
that is most appropriate for us.

Really Trust That !!

Be patient. Just take it one day at a time. Maybe even
... one hour at a time.
Try not to look too far ahead.

Your mind will want to entertain you with various
possibilities and probabilities.
Again ... there will be days that you may see lights and
visions - possibly hear a voice. Other days, the best
you can hope for
is to quiet your mind a bit.

I want to remind you to be content with that!

Any efforts you give towards sitting in silence and
quieting your mind will prepare you to being more
receptive to your silent messages ... in any and all
forms that they come to you.

Once you can "check" your ego,
your quiet confidence will allow you to
sit in silence daily ...
content with the silence itself ...
regardless of whether or not
you "get something"

You will have a quiet understanding ...
a "knowing" that you will get what you need when the
time is right.

(Actual vision received while meditating)

There was an empty water bottle standing upright in
space. I had another one in my hand and flipped it
(end-over-end) through the air. I watched as it landed
open-end down,
and fell perfectly right into the other one.
(I felt myself physically jerk back in astonishment, with
this big smile on my face, with the understanding that
I had just witnessed "the impossible".)

My Interpretations....

Anything is possible.

You could try all day to force the one bottle into the
other, and would never get anywhere.
Yet, if not forced, things magically
fall into place perfectly.

Trying to force the situation, you will not get
anywhere. Simply allow things to perfectly "fall" into
place naturally.

(Continues...)

Excerpted from Silent Messagesby Dean Peiffer Copyright © 2010 by Dean Peiffer. Excerpted by permission of Balboa Press. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
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