A Note from Ilana – March 2019

“The Sounds of Silence” – Is Silence the Golden Rule?

If March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb….. while that phrase applies to weather; does that also signify that a hectic lifestyle can be altered by allowing serenity into our daily life by learning to listen to the sounds of silence?

It’s been noted that a few minutes dedicated to quiet time each day reduces stress levels and offers a way to appreciate things that are obscured by noise and commotion.  In one sense, it’s like observing the space in a room instead of the objects in it.

Silence helps us connect to that which we normally fail to notice, such as aspects of our experience that are understated yet rich.  For some people, settling into silence isn’t’ easy and can be quite uncomfortable.  I’m guilty!! I have been known to strike up an inane and pointless conversation under odd circumstances where I felt the need to say something to break the silence!  Why? I’ve determined that it’s the need to communicate with others to avoid the silence, as it feels awkward.  Experts have stated, some people feel silence can be associated with bottled up energy and forced-down feelings.   However, it’s easy to confuse silence with being silenced, because often silence serves not to close us down but to open us up.  In addition silence doesn’t separate us from our inner world, it links us to it.

But silence doesn’t mean blocking out sound. You can experience the silence of not reacting to sound and allow the tranquility to set in. It’s learned in meditation, yoga and other forms of spiritual practices and healing. Creating silence in everyday life is thinking outside the box and finding a way to block out the surrounding minutiae.  Silence allows you to trust yourself and listen to your inner voice.  Silence provides deep rest and slows down the rhythm of your body, slows down breathing and drops your heart rate as you enter into a present moment of relaxation.   When learning that the art of silence is internal, in times of stress and upheaval, silence allows you to retreat to a place of safety.

However giving up the addictive power of noise requires willpower.  When was the last time your TV and cell phone were switched off at the same time?  You do not have to be a meditation guru to enjoy the advantages of silence. In the spirit of exploration, turn off the TV and phone during meals.  Try to eat your meal in a state of peacefulness to experience its flavor and aroma.  View this as a test of wellness…… you may just find out that your tuned into the healthier sounds of silence.

People long to be heard and that’s common.  But for those who enter a period of silence each day, learn to listen to the song of heart which come from an inner feeling of euphoric happiness, where they find more love and compassion, especially when dealing with others.  Silence moves us closer toward real communication. Silence isn’t empty; it’s full of answers!

In Wellness
Ilana