Georgs Rubenis presents new book "The First Language" on the value of silence

A launch event was held in Riga for the new book by Georgs Rubenis, a lecturer at the Institute of Integral Education and a contemplation teacher, titled "The First Language: Living with an Open Heart." Rubenis, who once left a career in banking to pursue mindfulness practice and spiritual growth, met with readers at the presentation.

In his latest work, the author examines silence as a basic human condition, encouraging readers to pause amid daily rush and return to inner stillness from time to time. According to Rubenis, silence is essentially the first language people master, even before learning words, yet it is one that gets forgotten amid everyday noise and haste. He points to a paradox: while learning to speak takes a long time, learning to be silent often takes even longer.

Not a conventional guidebook

The book's publisher, Zvaigzne ABC, notes that the work is not meant to be a conventional self-help manual or methodical guide. Instead, it offers a collection of short reflections and prompts meant to encourage readers to breathe and be present in the here and now. A recurring message throughout the book is that silence is not reserved for the chosen few or for spiritual teachers — it is accessible to anyone willing to stop and pause.

Theologian Indulis Paičs praised the book as a wonderful gift for anyone on a spiritual quest. He noted that reading it stirs a desire to awaken to a deeper, more authentic life, gradually revealing a path toward achieving that. Paičs added that the book's insights and phrasing offer nourishment for both mind and heart, while for those already practicing mindfulness, each chapter could serve as a fitting introduction to meditation.

Highlights from the launch event have been compiled into a photo gallery accompanying the original report.