sound of silence
These days it can be hard to find a quiet space. It’s not easy to be still and silent. If you’re like me, it can be just as hard to quiet your own inner thoughts.
I’ve been watching a lot of videos by Headspace lately, mainly about mindfulness. I’ve enjoyed them, and not just for the pleasant and simple animations. The co-founder of the company, Andy Puddicombe, has a soothing voice and a nice British accent. Two plusses in my book.
After watching a host of videos, YouTube linked me to a talk Andy gave at SXSW a few years back. He shared some of his experiences during his time as a monk. He talked about some of the benefits and challenges of living in silence.
The thought of living in a monastery has fascinated me, but in the end I don’t think it’s really for me. Besides, I have a family, and the only time those kids are quiet is when they’re unconscious. Sometimes not even then.
For many people, living in silence is a terrifying prospect because they are left alone with no escape from their thoughts. I’ve heard this from a couple people who have attended silent retreats. I guess some people just can’t hack it.
Interestingly, around the same time I watched Andy’s talk, I also heard a sermon from Levi Lusko where he talked about the need to invite more silence into our lives. He pointed out that we now live in a unique period of time where we can have some manner of sound being played for us continually, without end. It’s kinda wild when you think about it.
If the sound of silence is the sound of one’s internal dialogue, then I think we ought to pause the music to listen now and then. Personally, I find my own thoughts pretty interesting. They kinda surprise me sometimes. Hey, where do you think I come up with stuff for this blog?
Some people never take a break to hear what’s been running through their subconscious. Maybe they just don’t want to hear it; maybe they’re afraid of what they’ll hear. I can understand that, some minds are probably scary places.
Still, I do think taking the time to notice our own thoughts, and even recognize their pattens, helps us better understand not just ourselves, but others as well. The better we get at it, the less we have to be afraid of. Whether you notice them or not, your thoughts still influence you. Wouldn’t you rather have some control over them, some level of understanding? Don’t you want to know yourself and discover opportunities for growth? I sure do!
Welcoming times of silence is important, not just for setting the madness of daily distractions aside, and not just for creative thought, but also to just be still, present, and appreciative of the moment you’ve found yourself in.