The Sounds of Silence

What are the sounds of silence?  They are probably different for each of us.  It can also depend on where we are, what time of day, which day of the week, and what frame of mind we find ourselves in.

The silence I often yearn for is not total silence.  If I’m in my office writing, I hear the clock ticking, a turtle dove outside my window, and occasionally my computer updating.  However, my favorite silence is on a beach, with each wave's steady ebb and flow.

Can you concentrate when in silence?  I seem to comprehend what I’m reading if there is silence. At the same time, both my daughters do better with music or a TV blaring.

As we’ve watched the War on Ukraine unfold these past few weeks, I can imagine the residents are praying for silence and an end to the bombing and shelling of their cities.  I can’t imagine how hard it is living in those areas – then the deafening silence, just waiting for the next attack.  Praying it would not be the end?

The meaning of silence is the absence of any sound or noise, stillness.  I found several quotes I thought I would share:

• Silence is true wisdom’s best reply… Euripides
• Listen to the silence. It has so much to say…Rumi
• Silence is one of the hardest arguments to refute…Josh Billings
• Silence is the sleep that nourishes wisdom…Francis Bacon
• Silence isn’t empty; it’s full of answers.
• Silence is a true friend who never betrays.
• Silence is better than unnecessary drama.

Sometimes we can relate silence to being calm.  As we mature, we realize that staying calm is a valuable virtue or characteristic.  There were times when calm was the last thing on my mind.  I know it’s hard to believe, but I lost my temper and later regretted it.  And if there’s one thing I do not like to do, it is to apologize after the fact.

Thinking I was smarter than my parents, I remember mouthing off to my parents - I was a sophomore in high school.  I do not remember the specifics, but my parents were extremely unhappy with me, so they decided to sit on the patio and discuss my punishment.  Seeing their reaction, I deducted that my punishment would be less harsh if I would bite my lip, go outside, and quickly apologize.  I did apologize, and the punishment was not as severe as anticipated.

Living in this volatile world, adults need to practice calmness and reacting positively - like we would want others to act, especially our families.  We need to remember to place one foot in front of the other when things get tense and find a place of silence or calm to meditate, reflect on the issue, hash things out in our minds, and remember the big picture of life.

For more information on the practice of calm, see:

• https://www.psychologicalhealthcare.com.au/blog/keep-calm-pressure/
• https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-calm-down

May you find your silence today and the days to come.

All my best,

Julie

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