Light sprang forth and new worlds were birthed. Plants and creatures inhabited the earth, and creation became God's habitation. God commanded all creation to be silent before its Creator. In gentle stillness God became the Stillpoint of the universe. But God as Stillpoint is found nowhere so much as in the silent center of the human self.
Silence is a form of fasting.
It is a way of not responding to the kinds of stimulation to which we normally respond. During retreat we purpose not to talk. For instance, when we take turns serving in the kitchen we write notes in order to communicate and yet continue in the noise. While on retreat some may choose not to look at or smile at another retreatant. In fact, we cultivate great respect for the privacy of others.