One of the most powerful elements of life is silence. Silence is like a knife, incredibly useful, while incredibly dangerous. I have learned how to use this tool for the benefit of my clients, and dealt with the consequences when I have misused it among friends or family. Because silence is a void, it brings out the rawness in our humanity. Out of insecurity we thoughtlessly fill it. Out of fear we use it to manipulate. Because we don’t know our true self, we fill the silent void so that we are not left to get to know our self.
The truth is we are not safe alone with our minds, in the silence, for too long. Humans were made for relationship, so where there is relational void, our minds make stuff up to fill it in. It is in the silence that our fears and insecurities scream the lies we so easily believe. It is into my silence that others project onto me what they think I think, who they think I am, and how I need to live; based on their own perceptions and beliefs. We have all used silence to freeze someone out at some point, but this is futile as they will create their own narrative regarding my behavior because I have chosen not to communicate my reasoning.
As I said above, silence isn't all bad, it is quite useful, if you are intentional in it. As a life coach it is beneficial to my clients that I hold safe silence for them to work through their struggles. In my practice of self care I find silence can be a balm in the chaos. There is much to be gained by pausing to sit in silence, with my journal, to hear my heart and to process what is going on in my world. In our modern age we are bombarded daily with the chaos and noise of social media, tv, radio, text messages, dm’s, emails... it is highly beneficial to turn off all of those sources of noise and info, and to enjoy the peace and quiet that you enter into. The key is not to live there. The danger in choosing to live in silence, without input from anyone, is to create a vacuum, a fantasy, an unrealistic world where everything goes the way we think, and the corresponding brutal awakening of reality. The goal of intentional silence is to rediscover what you do and do not need for a fulfilling life, to lower anxiety, and to realign your life in a way that is meaningful and intentional, to no longer live by the impulsive reacting to the chaotic noise.
There are also the many benefits of sacred silence. I define sacred silence as the intentional practice of silence for personal care and spiritual growth. Years ago I heard a priest say that we fast to remove something so that we have more space to hear the still small voice of God. I have lived this out more than once! In removing social media for a weekend I rediscover the blessing and joys of a headspace free from the restraints of that medium, and perceived judgements of my audience. In fasting from food I am free to meditate on what truly feeds my soul. In taking a silent retreat I intentionally create a void, a silent space to process my faith, my hopes, my dreams, my life. I honor my self with silent space, but I don’t live there. I use this tool to adjust my path, to reset my heart, and to move forward with less chaotic noise.
How will you use the tool of silence today?
When will you schedule a silent reset?
Share below, I cannot wait to hear how you are changed!
Want to be more proactive in your self care? Get your free resource here!
0 Comments