Find wisdom in the silence

Find wisdom in the silence

Tim Connor

We live in a noisy world and it’s getting worse.  Not being negative here -just dealing in reality.  What do I mean by noisy?

When I use the word noisy I am referring to a number of factors that detract us from what really matters in life.

If you look up the meaning of noisy it would imply just loud or boisterous sound(s) but I am taking a broader view here and implying not just the sounds of noise, but the things that distract us or prevent us from finding the benefits of silence or solitude in our life.

Think about it for a moment – what keeps your focus away from what really matters in life – technology, other’s expectations, busy agendas, negative emotions, regret or disappointment, uncertainty, fears about the future, stressful circumstances or just being in a hurry as you go through your days and life?

It is common knowledge that we tend not to learn valuable lessons in life if we don’t take the time to listen to our inner voice or spend time in introspection.  We are born, we keep busy and then we die – is that the purpose of life?  I don’t think so.  Yes, many people give generously of their time, resources, energy and experience to others in need, but the vast majority of people tend to be self-focused on their own problems, needs, wants and life in general.

Mature learning can’t be accomplished in the midst of life’s busyness - we need to spend time in the silence just listening to God, our history, our experience and our dreams and what they are trying to teach us about how to live a life that will be filled with contentment, service, inner peace and joy.

When I talk about silence I am not referring here to isolating yourself for a few hours each day to just sit, listen and wait for answers, but the willingness and ability to take a few minutes periodically during each day prior to major decisions, actions and responses and just quiet your mind by turning off the outside world – cell phone, TV and anything that distracts you from spending a few minutes in the inner silence of introspection and consideration.

There are numerous benefits to routine silence – physically, emotionally and psychologically. Evidence has proven that this simple activity lowers the negative impact of stress, helps you stay focused on what matters and numerous other career, relationship and life benefits.

And then there is the opposite of quiet time and that is letting the outside world with all its chaos, uncertainty, dysfunction and speed of change which is increased stress, anxiety, frustration, disappointment and fear.

Believe me, the consequences of letting your outer world control your inner world is not worth the price – short or long term - you will pay in one way or another. 

The body and the mind need rest.  The mind needs time to chill in order that it can always be a valuable resource for sound decision making, appropriate actions and effective life approaches.  Without this rest you will tend to bring inappropriate behavior to life’s various circumstances and challenges.

Reading, thinking, planning, contemplating and learning are all valuable activities, but they are not included in what I refer to as spending time in silence or quiet time.  Meditation and prayer can be valuable quiet time activities as long as there are no expectations or conscious control while engaged in them.

Try it for a week – spend a few minutes of unplanned silence several times during each day. Turn off the outside world and just listen – no agendas, no control, no actions – just listen.

“An inability to stay quiet is one of the most

conspicuous failings of mankind.”