A Quiet Life

"All I want is a quiet life!"

"Just a bit of peace and quiet"

Yes that would be nice - quiet and relaxed.

The whole quiet life syndrome has caused and allowed a lot of suffering.

In the media several months ago there was the story of Baby P who had been seen by over 35 social workers - nothing was said.  Its far easier to stay quiet keep within the jargon - often there is too much to loose if you speak out.   Your job, your reputation, your family, your sanity?

As Bob Dylan sang 

"when you aint got nothing you've got nothing to loose your invisible now you've got no secrets to conceal - how does it feel" 

Most often we do have a lot too loose so its far easier to stay quiet.  Hold your tongue.  

The Catholic church recently have been severely criticized for covering up abuse by priests - its not just in the catholic church - in the Buddhist church too.  Its too dangerous for people to speak out.  I remember seeing a monk aged around 55 who had spoken out against the authority of his church they sacked him immediately - he was sitting with hid head in his hands and said "what am I going to do now - I'm 55!" - he had supposedly given up everything to become a monk but now he felt he had lost everything - how can you loose everything if you have given it all up!

What conditions do we need to gather to have a quiet life?

A state of denial?!

Money, friends, a country cottage, or no money, no friends, no property?

Or is it deeper can we have a quiet life regardless of what conditions we are in? 

How can you create a quiet life if there is worry and tension inside?