The Importance of Silence

In modern society, we experience silence so rarely that I think it’s useful to create silence on a regular basis. It’s soothing and it helps me to realize what things I am really thinking about. Sometimes when I turn off the TV, the radio, my ipod, etc, I find my brain is busy whirling through a list of things to do next. This is not particularly useful, but if I wait a little while (or sometimes a long while) with patience, I often find a deeper silence that is what I aim for.

Real silence:

1. Isn’t anxious. It’s not your brain making a list of thing that you didn’t do well enough, or a list of cruel comments others have used to hurt you.

2. Is peaceful. It doesn’t want for anything. It doesn’t seek. It’s just there, waiting to envelope you.

3. Allows you to hear yourself. Your real self, the deepest, most honest part of your soul. If you are trying to make a decision and are torn, try seeking for some real silence and see what your heart tells you you really want.

4. Can happen with others in the room. You can train yourself to find silence even if surrounded by strangers, though this is difficult. I recommend finding silence first alone, and then with those you trust.

5. Is selfish. That is, it’s not about the thoughts of others. It is deeply self-reflective. There is nothing wrong with this.

6. Is creative. I am convinced that for many creative types, a little more silence would stir more productivity—if they can learn to live with it. Maybe I’m wrong, but for me, if I am stuck on a story, the best two things I can do are exercise and take a long, hot bath. The silence there automatically makes my mind work on story thoughts. But I am not someone who has ever been able to work in a cafe on a novel.