The Importance of Silence
The rapid advancement of technology and the digital age created a culture of instant gratifications and notifications that makes life more convenient but slowly drowning us in subtle noises. A lot of people become slaves of modern electronics and gadgets. They cannot stop checking social media accounts, sharing snippets of everyday lives, chatting, playing games, streaming videos, and more.
But too much stimulation can be overwhelming and stressful. One day, you will wake up and realize that you are emotionally and mentally exhausted. You will yearn for a long vacation, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday existence. You will seek silence to calm your nerves.
In silence, you will find rest and answers. This is the hidden beauty of silence. It is a unique and personal experience that allows you to connect the dots and the seemingly frayed threats of your life. It is the special moment when you see the meaning of your life, of nature, of everything that you have.
I like being alone in silence. The world around me becomes clear and colorful. Just sitting quietly, staring at nature calms my mind and creates a space of peace. This space lets me put into perspective all the events unfolding around me. It gives me the ability to focus on what I can control and accept what isn’t. Enjoying the silence is like floating weightless on water, letting nature guide our emotions and actions.
Too many words clutter our existence. Too many words create the possibility to harm other people.
Being alone in silence can be very uncomfortable for some. Forcing ourselves into a quiet space will give you the power to focus on the present moment when your life is constantly being renewed. Some see this as being Moody. Some portray being in silence as being in a bad mood. It’s perceived as having something to hide. It’s all just perception and has nothing to do with myself, but just displays the discomfort of others. I enjoy the silence. It slows my world almost to a halt. I can then realign my life on what is important … my happiness!
Why do we need silence?
Silence offers a deep sense of rest.
The context of rest is not exclusive to sleep. It means the recalibration of your total being and relaxation of the mind, body, and spirit. It is about surrendering your physical, mental, emotional, and social exhaustion to the Universe. You need to let go to receive something. You need to give up the noise to understand the beauty of silence.
Silence is empowering, soothing, and relaxing, much more than listening to music. It can relieve anxiety in just two minutes. The quiet, reflective time that it brings restores inner balance and harmony in the core, healing the soul and the broken spirit.
Silence relieves physical pain.
Ever wonder why hospitals have signage that says, “Please Maintain Silence”? It is because people in their facilities need complete rest to recuperate. Unnecessary noises, even whispers, can cause them to overthink, be alarmed, or panic, which is detrimental to their condition.
Tension and anxiety release stress hormones that impact the healing process. When we stay quiet and seek silence, we allow our minds to rest. Silence stops the unceasing vibrations that magnify the pain, allowing the body to heal naturally. According to scientific facts, silence boosts the immune system, prevents plaque formation in the arteries, lowers blood cortisol levels, and sustains the normal blood pressure.
“Silence is a source of great strength.”—Lao Tzu
Silence promotes emotional and psychological well-being.
The internet and social media deliver a lot of information. Every day, your mind is bombarded with notifications and stimulation that you believe are necessary to your life. But there is a limit to what your mind can process. Too much information will make you more confused and agitated, resulting in many emotional episodes that can affect your personal life and career. Restlessness and unexplainable exhaustion are among the telltale signs that it’s time to find refuge in solitude. Your brain deserves a break.
According to a 2013 study, a 2-hour silence leads to the production of new cells in the brain’s hippocampus region, the area associated with emotions, memory, and learning. Silence also lets you reflect and reset your life. Out of your silence comes the best answers that you need to live a purposeful life. The switch-off mode calms the mind, restoring balance, and rewiring your core being. You become more conscious about your life choices.
Silence enhances relationships.
Some people are afraid to take a break, thinking that being silent will affect their existing relationships or cut the connection with the outside world. Admittedly, silence is underrated and misunderstood. The external forces have conditioned us that silence equates to loneliness, isolation, and even boredom. But they are all fallacies.
Silence is a decision to become a better version of the current persona. It is about taking time off to listen to the greatest person in the world—YOU. It means deeper contemplation of your life’s purpose, motives, and plans. It entails letting yourself to transcend, heal, and live to the fullest. Silence builds up a deeper sense of empathy and charity, tapping your potential to be more caring, understanding, and loving. When you understand your own needs, you become more aware of other peoples’ needs. Without saying the words, your smile reflects happiness, and your warm hug conveys unconditional love.
Silence connects us with the universe.
Silence is a form of meditation, silent worship, or contemplative prayer that connects us to the universe. As we empty our minds, we allow the universe to speak to us, making us remember what we truly are. As we encounter the universe’s presence during the moments of quietness, everything seems to fall into the proper places. The experience is transformative, filling your whole being with a renewed sense of purpose and a new outlook in life. It bridges the gap and fills the void that you feel. It brings peace in your heart, healing at the core of being, and joy in the deepest sense.
Ways to practise daily silence
- Turn off your electronic gadgets for a while or during the weekend
- Wake up early and take a walk in the neighbourhood
- Sit in silence.
- Go to a nearby beach and smell the fresh scent of the ocean
- Watch the sunset or the sunrise
- Gaze at the stars
- Enjoy a weekend silent retreat
- Practise meditation or other forms of relaxation technique
- Do nothing and think nothing for a certain time
- Walk in nature
Practising the art of solitude is not about abandoning the normal life. It is empowering oneself by staying away from the constant noise and seeking holistic balance. It is not an easy task for those who think that life will pause when they take a break from their busy schedules. Some people even feel guilty when they take brief moments of silence. But for people who find the true essence of silence, it makes their lives more meaningful and worth living for.
