Here, sit....warm Yourself by the fire. Hot chocolate and a pine log blazing. Is there any combination of fragrances more suited to each other?? Yes, it is peaceful here, isn't it? Is there any silence deeper than that of a fluffy snowfall in the forest?

Last week, on the phone, I was put on hold, once again. This time was a little different, though. Instead of the usual music or apology, a pleasant voice told me that I would now "HEAR a minute of silence". At first I thought that was an odd expression, after all, how does one HEAR silence? After an instant of exasperation, I did as I was told and gave my attention to the quietness.

What I heard, first, was my "to do" list. Oh my, I could be balancing my checkbook, vacuuming, throwing in more laundry, Christmas shopping!! Why am I just sitting here, wasting time! My heart was racing, I could feel the pounding, I could feel my poor, innocent organ trying desperately to get my body into action. But wait!! My instructions were "HEAR the silence". With some effort, I calmed. Laundry will wait ONE MINUTE, for Heaven's sake! As I placed my attentions back on the silence, I felt my heart relax. As my mind let go of its demands, my body stilled and softened; muscles loosened, breathing slowed. And I HEARD.

I heard, once more, my heart. My heart, yes, but pulsing rather than pounding, slow and rhythmical and swooshing. A distant memory, primal and perfect, perhaps the remembrance of my mother's heart from an eternal time that was still unaffected by broken alternators, bad checks and disappointing relationships. I HEARD peace. The peace that is ME at my highest and best. I love ME.

And, oh my Goddess Friend, I HEARD You. I heard You say "Hello! I am here. I am always here. Tell me. I am listening." Yes, I know, just as You are now, at my hearth, sharing chocolate and my Self, my deepest Self. I love YOU.

Others, many others, whisper to me in the silence. Echoes of people in this life of mine. I HEARD them, as well. There is a Gaelic expression: anam cara in which anam means friend and cara is soul. Your anam cara is that person, in the Celtic understanding, whom you recognize as an ancient part of you, whose connection is deep and real. It is the beloved who comes to you, late in life, who instantly *knows* you and loves you exactly as you are, whom everyone says is "perfect" for you. It is your children, who drive you insane and in the next second, give you exactly what you need...a hug, a bite of their cookie, a whispered secret. Your anam cara arrives on your doorstep late Sunday night on her way through town, with just enough time for coffee, brownies and some heart talk. You talk, she listens, she talks, you listen. We each HEAR the other. It is not parallel monologues. By the Goddess, I love THEM all.

Please hold. An operator will be with you shortly. Buy this. Shop there. Isn't it funny that the modern clamorous technology that interferes so often with our peace of mind actually led me to such a solitude, to a little more understanding of who I am. Today's Blue Light Special is ME!

Look! There is the Sun! What is more glorious, more of a miracle than golden sunlight sparkling and glistening through the still falling flakes? What more Silent? Come to the doorway, my Goddess Friend, my anam cara. Tell me, what do YOU hear?