by Caleb Imgbian
In our bustling and sometimes chaotic world that is filled with constant noise and never-ending distractions, the value of silence is often overlooked. Today, stillness is hard to come by, with so much noise inside and outside our brains. The constant distractions modern technology has brought. Yet, within the tranquil embrace of silence and stillness lies a profound art form that has the power to enrich our lives, connect us with our inner selves, and foster a sense of tranquility amidst chaos.
What is Silence?
Silence is not merely the absence of sound; it is an embrace of stillness that transcends words and engages the senses on a deeper level. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, silence is “the absence of sound or noise” (n.d.). This allows us to disconnect from the external world and navigate the vast landscapes of our own thoughts, emotions, and aspirations. In an age where our attention is constantly pulled in multiple directions, silence becomes a precious and rare commodity. It offers us an opportunity to reboot our weary souls, rejuvenate our minds, and tune in to the subtleties of life that often go unnoticed amidst the clamor.
What is stillness?
According to the Oxford dictionary, stillness is “the quality of being quiet and not moving” (n.d.). This means even on our busiest days, a few minutes of pause is always within our reach, whenever we need them. This can be when we are stressed from a hectic job or are anxious from or for an upcoming event.
How Can We Practice Silence?
Silence can be found in various forms, from the gentle hush of a quiet morning to the profound stillness of nature. It is in these moments that we can truly appreciate the beauty that lies beyond words—a breathtaking sunrise, a moonlit night sky, or the delicate whispers of the wind through the trees. These experiences awaken our senses and remind us of the vastness and wonder of the world around us.
The Benefits of Silence
When we embrace silence, we grant ourselves permission to introspect and reflect upon our thoughts, beliefs, and desires. It is in the absence of external noise that our inner voices can be heard most clearly, guiding us toward a deeper understanding of ourselves, our purpose, and the paths we should tread.
Silence also has the power to connect people in ways that words often cannot. Imagine a heartfelt embrace, a comforting hand on a shoulder, or shared laughter sans conversation. It is in these moments of silent connection that bonds are forged, unspoken emotions are understood, and relationships are deepened.
The art of silence, however, is not without its challenges. In a world where noise reigns supreme, finding the space and time for silence can be a daunting task. Yet, it is precisely this scarcity that makes silence all the more valuable and rewarding. We must consciously cultivate moments of stillness in our lives, carving out sanctuaries of peace amidst the chaos.
How To Practice The Art of Being Still and Silent
Embracing the art of silence requires practice and patience. Start by setting aside a few minutes each day to sit in quiet contemplation, with your thoughts to disconnect from the digital realm, and to listen to the symphony of your own breath. Preferably, you could close your eyes in meditation, take a deep breath, and listen to the silence around.
With pin drop silence, the appreciation of sounds that would be considered insignificant in today’s world would become significant. Sounds like birds whistling, drumming, or trilling. The sound of the breeze that might soothe the soul. Gradually expand these moments of silence, exploring and unraveling the depths of your inner self.
Below are practical steps and suggestions for practicing stillness:
- taking deep breaths
- practice randomly and anywhere you need to
- find a favorite spot
- listen to soft or soul music
- express your thoughts and feelings by journaling them
Silence is not a void to be feared; it is a sanctuary to be cherished. It is within the silence that we can find solace, gather our thoughts, and find clarity in a world brimming with noise. So, embrace the art of silence and stillness. Let it permeate your life, and watch as its gentle power transforms your existence. Consider Joining us at The Love Story in one of our many journaling sessions by clicking the link below to explore your discoveries while practicing the art of silence.
Begin Journaling Here
References
Crane, B. (2017, March 30). The virtues of isolation. The Atlantic. https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2017/03/the-virtues-of-isolation/521100/
Merriam Webster (n.d). Silence. In Merriam-Webster.com. Retrieved on October 30, 2023 from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/silence
Nguyen, T. (2023, April 27). The importance of solitude: Why time on your own can sometimes be good for you. The Conversation. https://theconversation.com/the-importance-of-solitude-why-time-on-your-own-can-sometimes-be-good-for-you-204393
Oxford Learners Dictionary (n.d.). Stillness. In the Oxford Learners English Dictionary. Retrieved on October 30, 2023, from oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/stillness
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