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What Silence Can Do... Have you ever just sat in a room and listened to all of the noises that are going on all around us every day? Try doing that at work for just 30 seconds. Hear what each different noise that is there really is caused by. Do it outdoors. And notice the amazing difference. Then try it again at home, just during a normal Saturday afternoon or after dinner when everyone is "doing their thing." What did you notice in each instance? How does each of them make you feel? In our society we have learned to fill up the silences around us with whatever noise is available. Many people cannot be in a house alone without the television or radio blasting - simply to make them feel less alone. They don't want to be aware of themselves and the lack of others around them. Yet, the serenity and power offered by a silent environment can be refreshing! Have you ever noticed
how some people get nervous when there is silence? Try sitting with a friend, especially a new one, and being silent for more than 30 seconds. Just relax and enjoy the lack of noise and the serenity offered by the moment and the person's company. Does the other person fidget? Who breaks the silence first? Probably not you. We've been conditioned to think that such behaviour and the enjoyment of a moment of silence is strange. People get uncomfortable. And it is because there is power in silence. When you are frustrated with someone try to be silent. Simply look at that person. Reflect on what is upsetting you. Be silent. Be calm. Observe what happens. This is one concrete example of how you can truly see the power of silence in action! Silence works in amazing ways. Think about how it functions and what message you are sending to a loved one when you are silent and simply gaze into that person's eyes with a calm smile on your face. It's a very different message than that of the previous example. Silence also has the power to heal and teach. You can use silence in your every day life - even just taking a few minutes to enjoy a noiseless moment of reflection to relax and let your mind and body be free from the pressure of noise for a short while. The effects are quite soothing. You may also find that if you are able to start working in a mroe silent environment that your mind becomes more efficient. In the world's religions, silence is revered as part of the path to enlightenment and spiritual enrichment. Silence can be your tool to relaxtion, a higher spiritual awareness, and better mental functioning. A few minutes of silent meditation or contemplation each day can perform wonders. Give it a try!
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Self Growth