The Importance of Silence

Silence. Stop a moment and think about the last time you experienced silence. The television was turned off, the cell turned completely off, not just on vibrate. There was no radio. The entire house was quiet. There is no noise of pets, neighbors, or automobiles. The wind has died down to a breeze that simply can not be heard. Many of us have not experienced that kind of silence in a very long time, maybe never. Is silence really that important?

Why not try a little experiment? Get a very good set of ear plugs. Turn all the noise makers off. Everything in the home that makes a noise and can be turned off should be turned off. Here are a few examples, the traditional house phone, the cell phones, the television, the radio, the timer. Put in a good set of ear plugs and go about your normal activities for about an hour. If the dishes need to be done, leave the ear plugs in and do them. If reading was on the agenda, do it. Whatever was planned for that hour with all the noises as well is the goal. Did you find yourself constantly filling your head with personal conversation? How many times did you just go by and check the cell phone? Did you grab the remote to turn on the television out of pure habit? If any of these things happened perhaps it is time to step back and learn how to experience silence.

Clearing the mind and having no conscious thoughts seems an impossible task to many of us. Those who routinely meditate say it can be done. The inner voice is willing to stop as well and rest. Personally I have not mastered the technique, but I am able to slow things down with practice now.

Most suggest the way to begin the process is with a simple mantra or repetition of a positive affirmation about silence. It is a good way to introduce trained thought. The next step would then be true silence and allowing that to control the situation.

It is also often suggested that ear plugs be used when sleeping. For parents of young children this would have to be done taking turns as they need to be available for the child. This would disrupt not only the noises that make us awake at night, but the background noises as well. It introduces silence. Studies show that those who sleep with ear plugs have more REM sleep. This is essential in getting the proper amount and type of rest.

Often times when silence is first being introduced is is very hard and stressful. People find themselves wandering through the house and turning things on. It is hard to learn to unplug.

Is it worth all the hard work? Yes, silence heals. Shhh.