The Gift of Silence: Honoring Self and Others

"Nowadays most men lead lives of noisy desperation.." - James Thurber

Can you remember the last time you enjoyed complete silence? The ancient masters told us that the voice of God can be heard in the region of your heart when the tongue is stilled and the mind is calm. They said that there will be no temptation for others to shout when you talk to them in whispers and they encouraged their followers to set their tone of voice as low as possible. Native Americans taught that reason can prevail only when arguments are advanced without the whipping up of sound.

Have you ever been in the company of an enlightened person? Silence is the speech of the spiritual seeker. It is marked with a smile of deep inner knowing that makes words unnecessary. Mother Theresa said that silence gives us a new way of looking at something. She noted that "in silence we find a new energy and a real unity. God's energy becomes ours, allowing us to perform things well."

Have you ever noticed people truly in love? Soft sweet speech is the expression of genuine love. It is said that hate screeches, fear squeals, and conceit trumpets. But love sings lullabies. It soothes and applies balm. To practice the vocabulary of love we need to unlearn the language of hate and contempt. As individuals, as communities and as countries, we have put a hiss in our voice that breeds strife instead of the peace we desire.

Just for today, pay attention to your words and your silence. When arguments become heated or children are unruly, lower your voice and speak softly. A powerful way to connect to another person is to listen. Just listen and not rehearse what to say next. Perhaps the most important thing we ever give each other is our attention. A loving silence often has far more power to heal and to connect than the most well-intentioned words.

Silence is a powerful language of a focused person. Practice moderation in speech. Most misunderstandings and factions arise out of carelessly spoken words and a needless defense of ego. Let go of all noise and distractions for a few moments often during the day. Silence is the nourishment and rest to the mind that sleep is to the body. Make time today for your silence, no matter how short the duration and you will find the serenity you have been searching for. When you get in touch with the silence within yourself you will see that everything in your life has a purpose and your next step of action will be very clear.

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Dr. Darlene Treese has been in private practice in hypnosis and counseling since 1983. She has been internationally acknowledged for her positive action and solution-based therapies with individuals, groups and corporations. "A person for the people," Dr. Dar is always available to help you get a grip on life, health and happiness.

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