Silence: A Relaxation Tool

Do you realize how much noise there is around you? Almost constantly, during waking hours, there is something that we "turn on" that creates a lot of sound. Some people may instantly turn on their radios or television sets as soon as they rise from their beds. There would be a morning conversation while breakfast is taken.

Most people are in places where there is always someone speaking. Like the teacher in front of the class, or a resource person at a seminar, a colleague or boss at work. Some may want to unwind, and their form of relaxation is going to the mall where there is music continuously following you around. There is endless chattering in the stores, in the restaurants. Others may opt for a "quiet coffee time" with a friend. Still, you and your friend would pour out your hearts by non-stop talking. The tables behind you are also usually full of people also chitchatting.

Wikipedia defines silence as a relative or total lack of sound. "An environment with sound below 20 decibels is considered silent", it further explains. Silence has been viewed and used by people in different ways. For the Western Apaches, they used silence during times of uncertainty or anger. They are silent because they want to observe and anticipate the other party's next action.

In Western cultures, silence could mean anger, hostility, disinterest and other emotions. People are so used to fill up silent moments with small talk, because it usually leads to uneasiness. Uncomfortable silence, as it is called.

But can we actually benefit from silence? For those who are more contemplative and spiritual, they know the importance of silence and define it as as freed from the onslaught of thoughts and thought patterns. In Buddhism, the mind should be allowed to become silent for spiritual enlightenment. Hinduism, on the other hand, teaches the role of silence for inner growth.

But what could really be the role of silence? Some studies show that slow and reflective music could relax and individual, but the gaps or pauses between the music play a role in having a good health. In a study done by a professor of the University of Pavia, the participants' heart rate. breathing and blood pressure and other indicators of arousal and excitement were taken. An insertion of a two-minute period of silence was inserted for the experiment. The results showed that the individuals became more relaxed using slow music, and particularly during the pauses.

Therefore, it could really be helpful for everyone to have some silent moments to relieve stress, or to start a day with a more relaxed aura. Upon waking up, avoid watching TV, and simply enjoy the sound of the quiet morning. You may want to catch up with the morning traffic or the weather, but it wouldn't hurt to avoid it once in a while.

While driving, spend some time without the radio on for a few minutes. You might be driving alone, so you want the radio for company. Music also might also make your day. Try just to turn it off even for half of the trip at first.

Leave your Walkman or ipod once in a while. Try to do some activities without them, like doing your daily walks, gardening, and the like.

Spend some minutes without really doing anything, and just simply sitting down, and being quiet. Some would call it centering, but in general terms, it could be focusing on yourself, trying to be in control of your emotions and avoiding more stress.

References:
wikipedia
http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200605/s1631878.htm