Silent Meeting by Division

Silent Meeting at Lincoln School provides a weekly forum for reflection on the Quaker values of respect for the individual and the inner light, which reflects the goodness in each one of us.  

Silent Meeting begins when the first person sits down in the agreed-upon gathering space and continues while everyone is seated and beginning to do what Friends speak of as "centering down."  Centering down is when our focus turns from external distractions to our quiet, centered place where we look into our hearts for guidance.  During that time, students or faculty may choose to share thoughts and reflections with the community.  At the end of our silence, a designated member of the meeting shakes hands with another person and each one present shakes hands with those sitting nearby.

At Lincoln, Silent Meeting takes on a different set of characteristics throughout our different programs and divisions.  

• In the early childhood program, a short silence is followed by the celebration of community and of individual worth.

• In the Lower School, a longer silence is followed by a student-led discussion on community values and issues.

• In the Middle School, the concept of a "query" or essential question is introduced, and a more extended silence comes before a time to share announcements and sentiments about the community.

• In the Upper School, the silent meeting is just that - silence that we hope secures a sense of inner peace and tranquility, providing an opportunity for everyone to learn how to listen inwardly and to perhaps share a piece of one's inner-life. Announcements take place in another space making a distinction between the peaceful effect of Silent Meeting and the lively tone of Upper School announcements.