Reflections of the Self: The Poetry, Insights, and Wisdom of Silence

By Zachary Phillips

A collection of poetry, wisdom, and insights born of silence.

When we simply sit and observe the contents of our consciousness, we are granted access to a kind of instinctual wisdom. One that is both a reflection of the self and the universe. As we sit, we grow calm. Our body relaxes and our mind settles. Physical tension leaves and mental hang-ups are processed. Unfolding slowly, but inevitably.
We start seeing connections; disparate lines of complex causality melding themselves together. We start to detach from our superficial perceptions of the self and the world, and begin to see interconnectivity; a depth of complexity previously unimaginable. These insights lead to wisdom, and then to action. We start considering our ethics and morality, our relationships and goals, and our impact on the world and our place in it. We start making changes, first to our behaviours and routines, then to our choices, and finally to our life purpose. We begin to know our true nature and start living our lives accordingly.
The poems and discussions that follow are products of silence. I sit, and they appear, either in totality or as enough of an outline that I can complete them. The writing process, for me at least, is a practice of total surrender and discovery. I do not choose the words that are to appear on the page, rather, it is as if the poem already exists and I am merely tasked with finding and sharing it.
In the same way a painter uses a canvas as a medium of expression, so too does the universe use the artist. The more we can get out of the way, the better the art that is produced. This is not an easy process, and one that I am continually working on. Unfortunately, I am not yet able to completely remove myself. Doubt creeps in. Technical incompetence appears, as do gaps in my knowledge and skill. I fear that my work is tainted by the very act of me writing it. Thus, the title 'Reflections of the Self'. What I present here is the closest approximation to the wisdom that silence has shown me. It is a finger pointing to the moon. A mere reflection of the universe expressed through my hand and onto the page.
Thankfully, silence has also taught me to accept my limitations, and persist regardless.
I hope this book inspires you to embrace your own silence, and to increasingly live by its teachings.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B08P2CPYWV
• ISBN13: 9798569250332
• Release Date: November 2020
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 168 Pages
• Weight: 0.37 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.1" x 7.8"