In Episode 5, Dr. Knabb offers an exploration of the psychology and spirituality of silence, an often neglected area of discussion in both secular and Christian circles. First, he reviews the psychology of silence, including definitions, ingredients, and research, noting there are profound mental health implications for understanding the role of silence in daily life. Then, he offers a biblical view, citing both Scripture and classic Christian spiritual writings, before concluding with a 10-minute exercise.
References
Bill, J. (2005). Holy silence: The gift of Quaker spirituality (2nd ed.). William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.
Chryssavgis, J. (2008). In the heart of the desert: The spirituality of the desert fathers and mothers. World Wisdom, Inc.
Kelly, T. (1992). A testament of devotion. HarperCollins.
Knabb, J. (2021). Christian meditation in clinical practice: A four-step model and workbook for therapists and clients. InterVarsity Press.
Lehrhaupt, L., & Meibert, P. (2017). Mindfulness-based stress reduction: The MBSR program for enhancing health and vitality. New World Library.
Novotney, A. (2011). Silence, please: Psychologists are increasingly aware of the harmful effects noise has on cognition and health. Monitor on Psychology, 42, 46.
Pfeifer, E., & Wittmann, M. (2020). Waiting, thinking, and feeling: Variations in the perception of time during silence. Frontiers in Psychology, 11, 1-11.
Valle, R. (2019). Toward a psychology of silence. The Humanistic Psychologist, 47, 219-261.