Silence and its incredible power

 

I am surrounded by the lack of silence: cars, people talking and shouting, music (don’t ask!)… So much, really... And yet, since I was a child, I used to be attracted to the simplicity of silence. It used to be healing, an opportunity to go beyond my present situation and even to feel different than I really felt, without pretending.

It is still an integral part of who I am, as it is present in my meditations, my work style and my reflection. It contributes to my wellness, my spiritual practices and my mental state.

So, for me it is not a tool; it is who I am, what makes me refining my silence again and again.

For other people, it is a tool and I think it is great. I remember reading about this Asian businessman who used to experience one hour of silence in the morning, every day. This was his way to clear his mind and prepare himself for the challenges to come.

It can be a tool for a person trying to gather their thoughts, an artist during inspiration or a mother thinking of a gift for her family…

A silence experience may be moments of silence, an hour or a full retreat, even a pause in life; silence changes the way our minds think. Even though silence will be present at my most important moments and for other people, only when they need, its power is unmeasurable.

If you don’t practice it yet, just try it out…

Silence…

Silence and chaos

 

There is a kind of noise that exists both, outside and within. It’s the chaos of daily life - messages, decisions, stress - and the chaos of the mind - overthinking, reacting, remembering all details...

To avoid that noise or to decrease its volume, we have silence… Not the silence that is the absence of noise; silence as an inner state, a space we can enter even when the world is loud.

As we are living in the age of chaos, noise is part of the pattern… Yes, we could find a place in the mountains, far from all. Or we can resort to silence.

In the midst of chaos, silence is not weakness. It’s strength. It’s clarity. And it’s healing.

Meditation teaches us to return to that inner silence. Just a few minutes of stillness can shift our state. Meditation isn’t about controlling thoughts, but about not being controlled by them. It allows the mind to settle, and in that settling, we begin to hear our own wisdom again.

Silence opens us to hear the real sound, the sound of our inner voice.

Silence also has the power to heal. Emotional pain, stress, fatigue - these begin to soften in the presence of true stillness. Not the silence of suppression, but of awareness, that moment when we stop trying to fix everything and simply sit in silence. At that point, something begins to mend… maybe not externally - the age we live is of chaos - but inside.

Inside there is deep healing, deep awareness, but the beauty of this practice of silence is that it permeates our reality… After all, even in relationships and daily tasks, silence has a role as it brings focus, patience and depth.

In conversations, a pause can be more meaningful than a rush of words. At work, a moment of inner quiet can lead to better decisions than hours of action and discussions.

As chaos is all around, silence is not a retreat from life; it is the key to a better life.

In chaos, it becomes our compass and guide.

Tired of noise? Maybe it's time for some inner silence…

 

We live in a world that is too loud - not just with sound, but with thoughts are also very noisy. Constant stimulation, relentless updates, opinions coming from every direction… No wonder many of us feel overwhelmed, scattered, even exhausted.

We seek silence in external places: a weekend trip, a quiet room, a DO NOT DISTURB sign, but the most powerful silence is the one inside us.

It’s not the absence of thought, but a deeper quality of thinking, since the more quality your thoughts have, less they will be. Your mind stops chasing around and starts being.

This kind of silence isn’t easy to find and it is not to be created. In fact, it’s always available and it comes when we turn inward, just for a while - maybe through meditation, perhaps just by breathing consciously or watching the sky without our phones.

And when we do that, something beautiful happens: clarity returns, worries fade, creativity whispers and peace knocks silently on the door of our minds.

Next time the world feels too loud, don’t just escape it. Go within.

That’s where the real silence lays.

How to Filter Out All the Noise

 

Noise can be harmful and new research suggests the damage it causes is even worse than we previously thought.

Technology has offered one solution: noise-cancelling headphones are booming. But despite the innovation, there's still an overwhelming amount of sound: street noise, buzzing cell phones, loud conversations. Noise pollution, especially in urban environments, is on the rise. Colombia recently approved a law to regulate it, but honestly… it’s not working yet.

But not all noise is physical.

There are two other types of noise that can affect our health just as much - and perhaps more deeply - than the sounds outside our windows.

The first kind is internal: the noise of our own worries and the anxiety that has quietly gripped modern society. It hums constantly in the background, making it difficult to think clearly or reflect. And reflection is essential as it is what allows us to understand what is happening in our lives, make good decisions and move forward.

The second kind of noise comes from outside, but not through our ears. It comes from other people and their constant interference in our thoughts. Maybe you think you're immune. Maybe you believe you’re completely independent. But ask yourself: Why do you use that particular brand of soap? Why did you change your job? What shaped your political views?

This noise comes from the not-so-silent world of social media, which feeds us other people’s opinions, judgments and beliefs. It doesn’t just speak; IT SHOUTS! And often, it drowns out our own voice.

For these two kinds of noise, there’s no technological noise-cancelling solution… yet.

Except… there is something we can do.

From experience, I’d recommend three simple practices that can help you filter out the noise and listen to yourself more clearly:

• Meditation and a shift in lifestyle. A regular meditation practice and a healthier, slower lifestyle help reduce the mental buzz of anxiety. Even something as simple as a walk in the park can bring surprising silence.
• Self-esteem. When you build a deeper awareness of your own value, it becomes easier to overcome the pressure of outside opinions. Reflection exercises and inner work can reconnect you with your core, your own voice.
• Boundaries for your attention. Be intentional about what (and who) you allow into your mental space. Curate your social media, your conversations and your environment like you would do with your home.

Filtering the noise isn’t about escaping the world; rather than that, it is about creating enough quiet to listen to what truly matters, that which comes often from deep reflection or from the heart.

Controlling your mind, control your destiny

Mind control was a term used quite often at certain levels not long ago; in fact, there was even a (very expensive) course dedicated to teach people how to control their minds!

First, let’s understand the mind. From a spiritual perspective, mind is a part of the being responsible for generating ideas, thoughts and feelings, emotions and sensations.

Mind is considered by many a crazy horse, with no means to refrain or to detain. Others appreciate the power of the mind, generating, well, all we see around us! Except nature, of course.

So, how to REALLY control the mind? Probably that is the wrong word; instead of CONTROLLING, we need to handle or to manage it.

There are two ways to accomplish that. The first way is to look for silencing the mind, totally. Even though that is not possible, it is the aim of many spiritual practices, including certain types of meditation. As a clarification, it is not possible because there is always a white noise in the mind, sound or image.

However, with a proper meditation, like the Raja Yoga Meditation, you may reach a point in which your thoughts – voice, images – are replaced by feelings and it will be almost as if there is total silence. In that case, the mind will be under control and whatever experience is desired, it is possible to get it, especially if it is positive and powerful.

And what about managing the mind when things go wrong or under pressure. It will be much more difficult, but it is feasible to do it when things are quiet; in many people’s practices, meditation is done early in the morning so there is silence all around.

A final consequence of that positive management is a better control over one’s life. After all, what we do is a direct fruit of our thoughts; by managing their creation, we manage our own life.

Quicksand and slow-sand

I was “playing” with the idea of a quicksand… OK, maybe it is not a nice image as per the general perception, if someone steps on a quicksand, they are swallowed by earth! That’s why the first rule is CHECK THE PLACE WHERE YOU ARE STEPPING.

However, if you do step on a quicksand, slow movements will help and the best you stay quiet, the hardest will be for the quicksand to take you in. Your chances of survival will increase by doing that.

Now, if we think about SITUATIONS as quicksand, we can extract a few lessons and turn it into a slow-sand, a process in which you are changing the pace of life and going deep.

• Always be cautious. If you can foresee a bad situation coming, don’t step into it just like that; wait a bit, reflect, contemplate and meditate… If it is a quicksand – something that will swallow your energy, your potential, or your wealth – don’t step into it. Look for alternatives instead.
• If you are feeling situations are already taking too much from you, slow your movements, that is, be more reflexive and contemplative. Take your time whenever you can and talk with someone you trust about what you are living. Don’t let yourself be dragged by circumstances.
• Silence does three things when situations are like quicksand: 1) silence empowers and so your resilience increases; 2) silence clarifies what you are going through and, in this way, you are not afraid, and 3) silence heals since many times this type of environment may hurt you.

So, are you ready to convert the quicksand of your life into a slow-sand?

Keeping calm…

During the Second World War, a slogan was launched that helped citizens to move on with their lives, despite the hostilities: KEEP CALM and CARRY ON. It comprises two affirmations with different intentions and an incredible effect.

At times of crisis – and that is what we are living – that slogan would be probably very useful, after all calmness has a deep effect on the self by enabling the person to clear their minds and understand what is going on. Maybe a solution is not at hand, but with comprehension, the person can plan, adapt and live better.

Particularly if the crisis is very strong and it turns into chaos, it is possible there is no solution. During chaotic times, the only possibility someone has is to be their own leader, to trust their own capacities and to create a team with whoever is around. Again, calmness plays a definite part, relieving much of the stress and anxiety, empowering. Besides, who wants to be part of a team of people who are not calm, particularly during turmoil?

But, as you are reading this, I am almost sure you are not there yet and the crisis we are all living is not to be labeled chaos. So, this is the training time and you can do a few things:

• Experience silence several times during the day.
• Meditate or contemplate.
• At the beginning of the day, dedicate some time for the self and experience deep calmness.
• At the end of the day, make sure you pack everything up, by putting a full stop to all that happened.
• If you have problems with someone, try and fix the bond between you.
• Be kind to yourself and others.
• Walk in the nature.
• Listen to soft positive music.
• Avoid bad news, without evading responsibility.
• Just be yourself and give space so that others can be themselves too.
• Keep calm, carry on.

Silence and power in modern society

I was trying to do a research of silence in the modern world, but I think I will share my own experience of silence, what silence REALLY is and how it works.

My personal belief is that silence is what is missing in the world. I am not talking about shut up silence, but the silence that comes from being fulfilled, which helps to feel an inner satisfaction. More than a lack of words, it is the state when words are not enough or not necessary to express the feelings.

It is missing because the present society is very noisy and specifically the noise of the social networks makes it unbearable for anyone to make a real decision, to set proper goals or just enjoy themselves, as there is always another person’s suggestion, opinion and influence.

When I get into silence, naturally I am able to prevail over all that influence and make my own decisions, and this is by far the biggest benefit of silence in the present environment we live.

So, everyday I experience silence in two different ways, and sometimes, when it is needed, I do another exercise:

• I meditate and I let that silence quieten my mind, my emotions and my intellect, giving them time and space to understand reality and help me dealing with it.
• Particularly during early morning, I prefer to not talk. I enjoy those experiences of silence as they clear my mind and my purpose towards the day.
• From time to time, I face crisis; silence helps me to charge the self and overcome the challenges.

I invite you to join me in this experience of silence…

From beyond sound, into sound

Are the levels of stress increasing?

Probably so, and I guess you have been feeling stressed for one reason or another; it is quite possible you have more than one reason to be stressed and you experience it many times in a single day. Or hour.

There are many ways to control it or even to heal the sensation, but there is a very simple, cheap and wonderful method linked to meditation: Silence.

Yes, silence… not the silence that comes because you cannot speak or the quietness that is there simply because you don’t have anybody around. Purposeful silence is a wonderful relief for stress, and if you give it a chance, can help you in healing.

A silence with a purpose comes because you are complete at the moment, as you have done all you could. Therefore, it means rest and recharging at the same time.

So, whenever you have to get into an activity that you know will stress you, just go deep into your own silence first. If it is a very difficult conversation or finishing a project you don’t have any idea how to do, just go into silence first.

Maybe you have gone through that very stressful situation, so it is time to go into silence and recover, replenish and empower yourself.

You may meditate or just walk in a park, the important thing is to be totally quiet and let your mind to process; by doing so, fantastic responses and experiences will come up…

Silence creates a subtle bond – Reason 68

Anyone’s life is surrounded by so many others whether in work, family, a circle of friends or any interaction with other people.  Most people just deal with that superficially: I like this person, I don’t like that one, it is better to avoid my uncle, I can’t talk with my partner anymore…

A leader uses different tactics to create and to strengthen the relationship with others.  One of these is the use of silence.

Although silence is often used for most people to quieten someone else or to avoid a sensitive subject, that is not the case for leaders.  When leaders don’t use words, their attitude creates vibrations that reach other people, and generates a subtle bond of understanding.

The power that comes from silence replaces the need to request another person to behave better, to lower the sound of music being played, to say I love you, or to motivate them to give a bit more for a particular task.

(Excerpt from the book 82 Reasons to be a Leader)

Silence is precious - Reason 27

Silence solicits varied responses.  For some people it represents the ideal moment to go within, to relax and to have new ideas.  Others think of it as a punishment, a signal of isolation and something to avoid.

For a leader, silence is a beautiful experience he or she is eager to have.  It is a creative laboratory that enables the connection with the world outside to be broken so that she or he is able to tap into their inner creative energy without any external distractions.  It does not represent an escape from others or situations, on the contrary it is a chance to understand them and to pave the way for better relationships and a better handling of circumstances.

A leader may do that using meditation, reflection, a yoga practice or contemplation.  Whatever method it is, it will give the leader much more than relaxation – silence is an unforgettable experience that transforms old habits of perception.

For a leader, the conscious practice of silence can emerge all the abilities and qualities she or he keeps inside, stimulating creativity and giving the leader a powerful edge at the time of solving problems.

(Excerpt from the book 82 Reasons to be a Leader)

Spiritual conversations

From time to time, it is very healthy to come out of your routine and dedicate yourself to something different than what you normally do. Play, watch, dance, and go for a trip...

What happens with our brain? It seems it overloads pretty fast and by "unplugging" it, we can refresh and recharge again.

The problem is that most of our solutions are external. They require we miss days at work or be far from our family, and isolation is not always an option in this busy life...

What about spiritual practices? They have the advantage of not needing to leave anywhere and they also give our brain the time it deserves to recover from a project or a major decision.

The easiest way to work on that is by reflecting. Reflection is easy because everyone does at some point in their lives. It is like putting a mirror just in front and you start to look at it. Of course, it is your image you see, but reflecting means you feel detached from yourself and you can ask yourself questions you normally wouldn't do. You can clarify your life and understand your reality from a detached observer's point of view.

Contemplating requires discipline, silence and time. It requires from you that you stop doing whatever you are doing - even reading this post - and merge into yourself. And just see. Just watch. Just listen. What? Whatever silence brings you, whatever is your aim... You can contemplate on your existence, your marriage, work or God. Here, you are more than just a detached observer; you are just a watcher and you get into the depth of the power of your own silence. In silence, you will find your answers.

Meditation and yoga are advanced steps. That does not mean they are difficult; it just means you really have to stop and make up some time off your busy schedule. Although yoga is normally associated with exercises, that is not true. Yoga means communion and it refers to the ability we have to connect ourselves with someone or something and merge with that, feeling as if we are one. Meditation is creating a link with yourself and managing your thoughts and emotions. And if you don't know, it is part of yoga; for the practice of raja yoga, what is what I do, I meditate first and then focus on that link I create and experience it. Focus on what? Again, there are multiple choices. I personally just remember I am a spiritual being; I focus on a Supreme Source and experience that relationship. It empowers me and gives me an incredible feeling of accomplishment.

Anyway, spirituality has much to offer for those who have their brains at the boiling point... Try it.

Learning wisdom

You can learn knowledge in many places using different methods. Especially during certain times of our economic cycle or our own lives, the knowledge we have is measured and taken in consideration. You can earn more or less according to how much you know, and not only money: that can help you in relationships, your health or spiritual choices.

But there is a moment when knowledge is not enough. If two tech guys apply for a job, yes, their knowledge will be taken in consideration, but sometimes their experiences are more valuable. So, at some points, knowledge becomes less important than skills. In normal life, it is that moment when your son does not believe in what you say but in what you do...

Then, later, success starts to be important and that is a very crucial point in anyone's lives, when that really starts to matter. So, it is not only knowledge - now at the bottom of priorities - but your experience will be considered according to how much success you have experienced, and not only that: success that matters for the company in case. It is when your son does not believe in your actions anymore, except when they give good results.

Again, there is a subtle point in life when success is not that crucial. Maybe because people tend to be surrounded by peers and one successful person among many others does not count so much. It is in that point your wisdom starts to be valued.

In our world, as I said, there are so many places to learn knowledge and many different methodologies. The same applies to skills and there are easy tactics to get experience and to reach success. What about wisdom?

That is probably the last place in a person's timeline. It is that point when the person feels completely assured by whatever he or she does. She does not bother so much with others' opinion and he has a wise smile in his face all the time.

The question is: how to learn or attain wisdom? There is no school for that and no management tool to help you get it. And as it is the end of our success pathway, it is good if we can really work on that. I have a few suggestions, and I hope they are useful for you:

• Reflect about your path. Take out some moments of your busy schedule to just figure what happened in your life up to this moment.
• Be holistic about your life. Although we tend to compartmentalize, it is important to know life is just one... look at it as a whole thing avoiding focusing more on your work area than your relationships, for instance.
• Contemplate about your future. Planning is good, but for wisdom, contemplation is much more valued, which means take some time looking into the horizon of your life with your intuition or your spiritual awareness, accepting what is coming and embracing it.
• Meditate daily. Meditation awakens certain parts of the self that helps wisdom to come faster and faster.
• Before making any decision, stop even for a minute and talk to yourself. It does not matter if it is a big or small decision, stop and reflect on that.
• When in doubt, talk to a wiser person. Not Google; ok, "talk" to Google, but then go and talk to a wiser person about the issue in your mind.
• Value silence more than sound. An easy way to recognize someone wise is his or her silence, which is deep and powerful.
• Enjoy life as a child. Wise people are like children, they are able to play, sing and dance, and enjoy good and innocent fun.
• Don't think too much. A common mistake is to feel wise people think a lot; that is not true, their time is more in contemplation, reflection and meditation, states of mind when thoughts are fewer.
• Speak what is necessary. To know exactly what to speak is an art a wise person masters.
• Act as if everyone is looking at you. A wise person always acts as if she or he is giving examples at every step.
• Act as if nobody is looking. A wise person does not act according to others' opinion.
• Treasure the contradictions in life. For an ordinary person, contradictions are synonym for confusion, while for a wise person it means an efficient way to generate a powerful thinking.

And much more... If there would be a university with a Wisdom course, that would take a couple of years, and it would be different for each person. My feeling is that when you start to awaken your own wisdom - which is how we learn it - then success becomes easier too.

In silence...

In an age where there is so much to talk about and many ways to do this, go into voluntary silence seems obsolete.

However, entering all the whirlwind of noise, the self started to lose its stability.

Thus the search for a practice of voluntary silence that for years was associated with religious traditions or some sort of monastic self-flagellation.

Worldwide, many of the busiest people are seeking voluntarily to practice silence, mainly through seminars and retreats.

What causes this and what is really the result?

Reasons

The incessant noise of the world has prevented people to make time for thinking and reflect on what really is happening. As human beings behind all actions and events there is something deeper, such as inner reactions, emotions, relationships and their impact, projections, etc.

Because of this, when what is happening behind, which is unknown, comes to the front, the person is not ready, and lot of unnecessary suffering comes.

When we get into silence, we have the ability to see what is happening behind and take action before it's too late.

Impact

In addition to the clarity of what is really going on, silence also heals on many levels. By being silent, physically and mentally, you have the time needed to reach conclusions in your own life and create a major change.

The other impact is to allow an "internal closet organization". It is a time to check what is happening internally, plans and projects, life as it is. Without silence, the cabinet will have to last disorganized until life decides that the individual needs to take time and forces him to do so.

Methods

There is no single way to remain silent, from complete silence to the silence of "speaking as little as possible", or just experience silence in mind.

It all depends on the effects the person wants to make in his/her life, time and energy available to be invested.

Conclusion

It is fundamental to set aside time to experience the silence, as it helps to understand the reasons and choose the correct method to experience it.