The Power of Silence

One of the effective ways to reflect is to practice silence. Practicing silence can connect us, ease our minds, and put us in touch with ourselves. However, we should not confuse being quiet with practicing silence. Being quiet is, in some way, equivalent to keeping our mouth shut—not making our voice heard. But being silent is more about entering a sacred place within ourselves.

Being silent allows us to channel our energies. It gives us the clarity we need to calmly face challenges and uncertainty. Each day of practicing silence at the start of the day can be a time for collecting our thoughts, training our minds, and deciding how we want to enter into the day.

An ideal time for practicing silence would be an hour. However, engaging in silence may not come easily at first. Silence can make us uncomfortable because we’re so used to distracting ourselves from what we’re feeling—from difficult emotions like fear, resentment, or anger.

Therefore establishing a daily practice of intentional silence lasting just five to 10 minutes will be a good way to begin. Making sure to turn off all devices or at least keeping them away —your smartphone, computer, tablet, and any other gadgets—is crucial. The ground rule, as the name indicates, is to keep complete silence for the entire 60-minute practice with no distractions from the outside world at all.

The silence thus practiced changes in how we make sense of the world around us. Silence helps us to be aware and be in the present. We begin to acquire an intense insight into everything we do and find a greater sense of balance. We come close to our inner selves. It helps us understand ourselves and connect with others as well. It guides us to live consciously.

Yet we rarely practice silence for the same reason it makes us uncomfortable and makes a minute seem like an eternity. There are significant chances that we may feel lost initially. But there is increased comfort with ourselves that comes with this practice and makes it an experience worth the pursuit. For that to happen we need to be committed and determined to experience the power of silence.

Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu once said, “Silence is a source of great strength.” Taking the time for silence sends yourself the message that you are worth hearing. Honor your life by practicing silence regularly.

As Wayne Dyer observes, "Everything that’s created comes out of silence. Thoughts emerge from the nothingness of silence. Words come out of the void. Your very essence emerged from emptiness. All creativity requires some stillness."

Let the journey of silence begin.

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