A TIME FOR SILENCE

“Speech is silver, silence is golden,” is a common expression. There are times when it is better to keep quiet than to speak. Finding peace and quiet in modern times can be a challenge, but there are numerous health benefits to it.

Life is full of noises. There are sounds from the environment and a general lack of quiet because distractions have now become the norm. Incessant sounds are making people unhappy and pushing them to taking sleeping pills and anti- depressants.

Many of us don’t get on to embrace silence as much as our world has become increasingly digitized and we are more dependent on our devices. Having a few minutes of silence is a rare treat for most people.

Taking a break from external noises and internal chatter and aiming for some solitude can contribute to our well-being. But for some, the fear of silence makes them uncomfortable, because of being used to noises.

When, though, is it appropriate to keep quiet rather than to speak? There is propriety in remaining silent in at least three areas of life – as a mark of respect, as evidence of discretion and as an aid to meditation.

It is normally assumed that when one is silent, the person is taking it well, but at times that may be due to bottled up anxiety and suffering in silence. Such stress causes emotional toil. In such a case, stating grievances calmly, helps.

What if, someone tries to draw us into pointless arguments? It is best to keep a purposeful silence and avoid them. Else, they can side-track us from far more important tasks. Being a silent listener is a mark of respect. A person with discernment keeps silent when provoked. The fewer the words spoken, the less the chance of committing an indiscretion.

The discreet person is not hot-headed, rushing into every situation without thinking. When silent, one can carefully think of the possible outcomes before making any commitments and is able to maintain more peaceful relations with others.

To think soundly and decisively requires that one meditates on problems before they arise. One cannot take the attitude to postpone it and worry about that when the time comes. Proper advance thinking strengthens one to face life’s challenges wisely. How does one wade through myriad of possibilities and pick out the best course of action?

Snap decisions are often regretted later. It takes time to meditate, or think seriously about a matter. But it is time well-spent. The more one concentrates on positive matters, the more will this be reflected in one’s speech and actions. It deters a person from giving unbalanced or senseless responses. One will not be speaking just from the top of his head, but would weigh all the factors involved, taking all circumstances into consideration.

Meditation, during quiet periods, can engender modesty and humility within us. One must have facts to meditate on, and to see things in their proper perspective. Thinking with an empty mind is like a shower that passes quickly and soon dries up - momentarily refreshing. When meditation is done on a deeper level, connecting new thoughts with old ones, it becomes like a steady rain that sinks in and develops maturity.

Silently meditating upon specific things, reviewing every small detail mentally while walking or sitting in quiet area aids in imbedding information more deeply. One gets a clear picture of matters.

Silence is important for one’s health just as exercise and nourishment are. Quiet contemplation also has a positive effect on improving memory.

Moments of silence awakens sensitivity to the environment around. Taking a quiet walk away from noise reduces mental fatigue and helps one to feel rejuvenated and relaxed.

Periods of silence enhances creativity, making the mind calmer to make better decisions with clarity and awareness. Imbibing silence gives the mind and body a break and brings with it relief from stress. Basking in the quiet moments of early morning can set the mood for the rest of the day and give a peaceful boost.

Noise pollution is a modern plague that affects mental health. Also, the noise that goes on in the mind as one copes with a busy life. Cultivating silence then becomes imperative. Escaping noise at all is hard, but reserving few minutes of calm in a day is restorative and can provide an environment for healthy self-examination.

Yes, there is a time to speak and there is a time to remain quiet, and the discerning person appreciates the difference.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

Rekha Kumar The writer is a work-life balance and leadership skills facilitator [email protected]