A time to be silent: its many benefits
IN AN AGE with so many weapons of mass distraction, busyness, noise, television, radio, Netflix, traffic, music, 24-hour email, open plan offices and social media pings, the old adage Silence is golden rings true more than ever.
Silence is used in meditation retreats. It is a yogic practice. I have even met a yogi who sacrificed speaking altogether to develop himself spiritually.
‘Silence is the mother of truth’ – Benjamin Disraeli. When we sit in silence, we connect deeply within to our self, our truth and to what is most important. This means we know what feels right and can plan our time, actions and life accordingly.
Silence, particularly when we can reach a stage of inner-silence, has many benefits. Here are my top nine observations.
1. In silence, we connect to our self and our truth. ‘When you quiet the mind, the soul speaks’. Ram Dass. Silence gives birth to that which is true and original. It connects us to our purpose and talents. Intuition comes through more easily and clearly when connected to silence.
2. When the crazy chattering of the mind slows down, the mind gets a rest so it can reset and recharge. Brilliant ideas and flashes of genius increase with internal silence. Our mind becomes sharper. ‘ The Silence is the necessary soil for any thought to flourish. Out of silence is born concentration, and from that comes learning’. – Stephen Hough
3. The quieter you become, the more you can hear. Silence gives you the ability to listen better. We have two ears and one mouth. Mediators and great strategists are known to be adept in the art of listening. Hearing what others have to say in true silence gives you the chance to know what others want based on what they are saying and also what they are not saying. The more we listen to others speak, the more they are likely to show their hand and give keys to us to find optimal solutions and ways forward for everyone.
4. Silence brings happiness. Connection and focus are foundations for happiness. Silence makes both possible.
5. Silence promotes sounder sleep. Daily meditation and mindfulness are shown to reduce fatigue and insomnia.
6. Silence builds courage and strength. When we can fully sit with and face ourselves, we can sit with anything in life. Courage is needed for change and growth. Courage is part of any personal transformation process and naturally arises from silence.
7. Silence will make you a better communicator. It teaches you the value of words. Great orators always make powerful use of silence.
8. Silence is shown to boost growth of brain cells and brain and memory function. A 2013 study published in the journal Brain Structure and Function found that two hours of silence could create new cells in the hippocampus region of the brain. The hippocampus is linked to learning, memory and emotions.
9. Silence alleviates stress. Noise has a strong impact on the brain and can increase levels of stress hormones. A range of studies have shown that even two minute of silence releases tension in the brain and body.
There are times to speak. And there are times to sit in silence. When we make silence a daily habit and put this into practice: ‘Speak only if what you are about to say will improve upon the silence.’ We achieve the many benefits of silence while saving our energy for what is truly important in life.
This week, slow the mouth and mind down. Listen more. Speak less. Get more done and experience greater focus, connection and happiness.
Calodagh McCumiskey designs and delivers bespoke wellbeing at work programmes to grow people and companies. She also offers regular meditation classes, personal development workshops and wellbeing consultations to help people thrive
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