Monday, August 4, 2025
Silence is considered “awkward” or “silence is deafening.” Why is the absence of noise awkward? My ex-husband “had” to have ambient noise in the house , or in the car, he “had” to have music. Our church services are bereft of quiet as well. My former priest requested “traveling music” or “cover music” for moments that would otherwise be silent. Wouldn’t want to make the church folks uncomfortable.
Spiritualists have sung the virtues and transformative power of silence since words were ever a thing. I used to be one who had constant noise, which correlated to constant, nervous tension. If it wasn’t music, it was the television. If it wasn’t television, it was talking on the phone. If it wasn’t talking on the phone it was texting. If it wasn’t texting, it was scrolling, if it wasn’t scrolling it was incessant thinking or movement.
If you are drawn to silence, good start. My introduction began with a preference to drive without the radio on. I clicked off the evening news, and eventually the TV altogether. It slowly progressed to a cessation of social media and little to no phone use. Then, I got comfortable sitting in nature and hearing the ambient noises of birds and the breeze rustling. Eventually, I fell into mediation and fasting, and now silence is primary. Most of my day is spent noiselessly.
The thing you’ll notice about sitting in silence is that your mind hates it. Your body will squirm. Your nerves will get the best of you; but, if you just stay the course, you’ll notice the shift. As the tension in the body and mind let go, you’ll notice a remaining peace and serenity. You’ll notice wisdom and a bubbling of faith. But silence is too “scary.” People are afraid to be still. They might learn who they are, God forbid.