By nature, I am quite verbal – a “think out loud” type of person.  I organize my thoughts, and problem solve by talking things through.  Quite often I better understand what I am thinking when I hear myself say it!

When my younger brother died 5 years ago at the age of 51, nothing made much sense. Talking about it was excruciatingly painful. Words were not adequate to communicate my vast and intense feelings.  

I gained a first hand understanding of the gift of compassionate silence.  I think...