The Fullness of Silence: Reflections on Quaker Wisdom

Last week, I had the honor of speaking about Quaker values and tradition at the wedding of my oldest childhood friend, Javana, and her husband, Jake. Preparing for that moment reminded me how deeply impactful Quaker silence has been in my own life, and how much it continues to shape my practice at Grata Wellness.

I grew up attending Friends Academy, where I spent 15 years surrounded by Quaker values. Central to Quaker belief is that the divine is present in everyone, and through silence and stillness, we can hear that deeper wisdom. Silence isn’t just a pause; it’s an opening. That’s why it’s such an essential part of Quaker worship.

At school, we were taught the Quaker values summed up in the acronym SPICES: Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality, and Service. Together, they describe a way of living that honors truth, connection, and care. (IYKYK @ my FA friends)

What struck me most (and what still stays with me today) is that this silence isn’t empty. It’s full: full of presence, reflection, gratitude, and love. In that quiet, we can hold space for what words alone can’t quite capture.

In today’s world, silence can feel rare and uncomfortable. But it’s also where I find grounding and inspiration. It’s the same presence I hope to create through Grata Wellness: a sacred, easily accessible pause to breathe, reflect, and reconnect with what matters most.

I invite you to create moments of silence in your own life, no matter how small. May this silence remind us of the love and light we each carry...and how it grows stronger when we gather together.