Silence is Golden In a World Full of Noise Pollution
Too Much Meaningless Chatter
Talking does not need to occur for us to listen and communicate. In fact, it often gets in the way. We are constantly wrestling with our monkey mind, not to mention those gnarly conscious thoughts we carry with us everywhere—a compilation of trash talk from everyone we have ever come in contact with.
We bring this on ourselves.
And it’s not just the negative talk that drags us down. It’s the false positive reinforcement used to make us feel better or to manipulate our behaviors. Neither situation moves us closer to ourselves and who we are deep down. It’s all noise, and the older I get, it becomes damn annoying.
Words, soundbites, opinions, man/woman splaining, and one-sentence summaries are strewn about like garbage. There seems to be little regard for those on the receiving end (including ourselves). The purveyor of these word tornados don’t give a damn if what they spew is consumed in any meaningful way.
I know this because I have sent this garbage out into the universe as revenge, passive aggression, or just to cover up my own insecurities. Thankfully, I usually send these rants to my journal or channel them through my art.
Because, yes, I am one of those people who do not want to hurt the feelings of others. No matter what they did or did not do to me.
To me, actions speak louder than words.
Talking and the Disconnect
When I am on a rare talking roll, it usually involves talking about creating art, writing, and/or a deep philosophical dive with my daughter. Everything flows from within the soul through my voice and out into the space I am occupying—a rare but inspiring occurrence.
Do you find that there is a disconnect with your inner self when you talk? I notice when people are nervous, angry, or excited, their emotions often usurp what is trying to be conveyed. I include myself in this passionate company. Yes, we are talking, but do we really hear or feel deeply what we are saying? Are we blathering on to please or impress others? Do we mean what we say? Or are we afraid our words or thoughts are too raw for public consumption? Where is the disconnect, and what can we do about it?
Words can inspire, but they can also ring hollow when spoken. Depending on the situation, silence can be a better form of connection.
Reverberations
Think about an incredibly emotional rant you have had. Did it take the person on the receiving end to reverberate your words in order to understand what poured out of your mouth? It happens to me once in a while and I’m astonished at the words and tone I have chosen. For me, my passionate posture gets in the way of a more genuine exchange.
Writing cures me of this emotive character glitch. I allow time to edit, retract, and pare down the essence of what needs to be conveyed.
In my younger years, I often wrote letters to my parents when I wanted something or needed them to know my feelings. The distraction of their facial expressions, their potential rejection, and my responsive frame of mind prevented me from going face-to-face a lot of the time, and not just with my parents.
I still struggle to get my point across.
Why Silence?
When road tripping with my spouse, we can go miles without saying a word. He is a cautious, conscientious driver, focusing on the road, looking out for various forms of wildlife and the beauty of whatever landscape we are driving through. He also grew up on a farm where silence was normal and appreciated.
Those uncomfortable pauses used to bother me, whether at the family dinner table, in an intimate one-sided conversation, or when I was met with silence on the other end of a phone call. Sometimes, people need to be alone with their thoughts or to consider carefully their response to what is being said. Or maybe words are not necessary at all.
When walking in the morning, I do so in silence, with no music, podcasts, or earbuds. I prefer the sound of the river, the birds, deer rummaging through the local fauna, quail jettisoning across the path, distant highway noise, lawnmowers, and trees rustling in the breeze. It’s a natural rejuvenator for my brain and body.
In addition, nature’s silence allows me to listen to my mind, body, and soul. These silent morning hikes have become vital to my well-being.
What a utopia if everyone walked through nature this way, appreciating the silence. All too often, folks are either talking loudly to each other (believing we all want in on the conversation), on speaker phone with a friend or thinking everyone enjoys listening to their genre of music. Their lack of situational awareness is frustrating and disruptive.
Nature trails should have signs that say “SILENCE PLEASE,” like the reading rooms in the library.
Human-caused noise pollution is one of my pet peeves, and it always has been. It is derived from having grown up doing more observing than talking. And as awkward as silence can be at times, it is what I prefer.
Silence Versus Music
Recently, I have taken to turning off the music while I am driving. It is like a meditation while moving along a side street or the highway. I need that sense of quiet because most motorists make me want to scream. The silence muffles my anger toward the driving habits of others, not to mention directing my attention to the task at hand: driving.
With the quiet, I find myself able to focus on breathing, thinking, and absorbing with minimal noise distraction. Sometimes I just drive and before I know it (if I am on a long road trip), miles have gone by.
When I do listen to music, it moves or inspires me in my studio or while writing. It is instrumental, with no words to distract my thoughts or subconscious. The melody, tone, pitch, and rhythm prompt me to reveal whatever needs to be brought to the surface.
Silence is truly golden.
Image: Sunrise Photo Taken 8–12–23
I chose this photo because of the solitude and quiet of daybreak, when I spend my first waking hours sitting on the deck. As I listen to the creatures rustle about the backyard, I am alone, and no words are spoken—only those of nature and the new day.
Thanks for reading and yes, we all want silence more often than not. Being close to nature helps, doesn't it? ❤️
Thanks for this Michelle! Exactly what I needed today. :)