Doing Words

My wish for 2010: a little bit of Shhh please

// January 13th, 2010 // My life, Relationships

I’m back from a longer summer break than I had planned, due partly to the irresistably seductive charms of a particular beach house but also because my wife Melissa being diagnosed with breast cancer. Elsewhere in the world, as the Copenhagen climate conference showed how self-interest and greed still drive humanity on a global scale, James Cameron’s Avatar3D inspired me to renew my determination to fight it as individuals, whether or not we think we can win.

In other words, it has been a time of mixed blessings.

Thanks to everyone who’s expressed their well-wishes and support. I never realised that it’s not just about being polite — it really does help. Thanks, and I will repay those favours. We’re walking in a bubble of love created by friends and family. It’s a wonderful thing to be reminded how lucky we are to know you.

On to other news.

Regular readers may remember Miles Campbell from our co-presentation at last year’s Interesting South conference in Sydney. Borrowing from the iconic Australian film The Castle, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Miles is an Ideas Man. His latest idea is a real corker, inspired by his frustration with organised religion vs spirituality, and by the increasingly cluttered lives we find ourselves drawn into.

Miles’ idea is beautifully simple, memorable and in my experience, useful for anyone who seeks peace, clarity and balance in their lives. It’s called ‘Shhh’ and after participating in a few pilot sessions last year, I’m looking forward to seeing Shhh go public and grow in 2010.

I had offered to help Miles with explaining Shhh, but really, he’s done such a good job on the following description, I have very little to offer. Instead, please enjoy Miles’ explanation, since it’s clear, interesting, and strikes just the right balance between proscriptive and flexible, formal and casual, serious and funny:

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What is Shhh?

Shhh is born from the belief that there is meaningful experience to be discovered when a group of people share a space and are still and silent.

Many people miss out on meaningful reflective times that are created in silent ceremonies, due to the fact that they don’t share the history, beliefs, culture or practices that are part and parcel of established ritual. You can’t really participate in these times without ‘buying in’ at some level with the expressed tradition that is hosting the event.

By choosing a name which can’t be mistaken for being the expression of any particular belief system, and by banning the writing or speaking of any words during the official gathering, the ceremony is protected from any particular personality, culture, religion, belief, ego or agenda.

Anyone from any background can happily come and share the silent space with others, and be confident that they will not be expected to listen to, judge or defend anyone’s views or beliefs.

The drink and chat afterwards provides the opportunity for those who wish to enjoy the company of the friends or strangers that they have just been silent with. Some will likely discuss what the experience meant to them. This is fine, but it isn’t a part of the Shhh ceremony, it is just people talking.

Rules:

1. Be silent (that is kind of the point)
2. Be still (so you don’t distract or annoy others)
3. No kids for the time being (see 1, and 2)
4. Don’t take it too seriously, it’s just a bunch of people not talking

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So, that’s Shhh — the most minimalist and individual ceremonial expression of spirituality I’ve ever seen. Interested in learning more about Shhh and how you can get involved? For the time-being Shhh invitations are limited to like-minded friends of those who attended the pilot sessions last year, because it would be better to keep learning and growing Shhh in a controlled manner for a little while longer.

So, if you’re a like-minded friend of mine, and you’d like to come along to the next Shhh, let me know — you already know how to reach me.