7:00 on Tuesday night I attended a Taize Service. After a week of constant social engagements and a To Do list as long as my arm, my soul had been aching for rest and silence and I hoped this would help.
I arrived early and others were sitting in silence, so I tried to be still and quiet as we waited. But you guessed it… I couldn’t shut off the nagging in my brain or get comfortable in the pew. When I stretched or shifted something would crack, pop, or squeak in my body. And why was my mouth so dry?! Every swallow reverberated off of the stained glass windows and echoed in the silent sanctuary. For a minute, I sat perfectly still and didn’t swallow, but of course my intestines decided to go nuts at that moment! So even when I made my outer body still, my inner body refused!
If you have never been to a Taize service before, it typically consists of 3 components interspersed with each other: simple songs of a repeated phrase, scripture readings, and silence. It was started by a group of ecumenical monks in Taize, France in the 1940’s. This formula of meditation has been practiced for over half of a century…so it’s got some roots! Although it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, it has never failed me and it did not on Tuesday night either.
By the the third song, my mind felt clearer and ready to receive. Perhaps the vibration of the music and singing had calmed my body. As I listened to the readings, my eyes rested on the flickering candles and I felt a sort of internal soothing. Then the silence! Here was the space where God entered in the form of a memory of myself at 18- a girl with big desires to give her life for a greater purpose but fearing what would have to be sacrificed. Recently I had again been struggling with some of those fears and wanted to recall who I truly am. I was longing to finally embrace the path that I was made for! As that memory returned to me, I saw how my mother had comforted me as I cried. By sending me that image, I felt like God was reminding me that I am never alone in my journey and I will always find comfort. Just then the music started again, and I was taken up in the chorus with the small group gathered around me. I felt supported and comforted by the presence of others on this journey as we sang together. On top of that, the hopeful words of the song permeated deeper into my soul with each repetition until I knew them fully. That night I left feeling a deeper peace than I had felt in months.
I looked up into the crisp night sky as I walked to the parking lot. The stars looked brighter, the future felt easier, and I was centered and grounded. Taize had turned out to be exactly what I needed. Whether you want to try out a Taize service or not, allow my story to remind you to take some time to find quiet this holiday season. And peace be with you!
About the Author: Julie Glaser is a healer who creates sacred spaces for others to share, release, and grow. She’s in the habit of being in awe and wonder and writes to share her own experiences with other inquisitive souls in the process of transforming.
Spiritual Direction and Healing Touch Energy Therapy 