What happens in the silence?

Silence in the Mountains © Kathryn LeRoy

Hello friends,

Have you ever wanted a few moments of silence?

The cacophony in the stores and trying to remain six feet from another soul as I stood in line for longer than I wanted to buy a single item left me frazzled. Some people seem to ignite energy shopping for the “best” whatever. Not me. I prefer a gentle stroll in a quiet store with plenty of space.

When I finally escaped the noise, I retreated to my car and searched several stations for the right music, a peaceful song. I found nothing that suited my mood. Then it occurred to me to take control—turn off the radio.

Silence.

What could I do in the silence of my car as I drove home?

First, I took a deep breath. The silence felt refreshing and open to possibility.

We underestimate the power of silence as a source of inspiration and creativity. In a world of blaring messages and constant grabbing for our attention, we forget the simple pleasure of no sound.

My curiosity led me to a few bits of wisdom about making space for silence.

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I’ve begun to realize that you can listen to silence and learn from it. It has a quality and a dimension all its own. ― Chaim Potok, The Chosen

We sit silently and watch the world around us. This has taken a lifetime to learn. It seems only the old are able to sit next to one another and not say anything and still feel content. The young, brash and impatient, must always break the silence. It is a waste, for silence is pure. Silence is holy. It draws people together because only those who are comfortable with each other can sit without speaking. This is the great paradox. ― Nicholas Sparks, The Notebook

Have you ever heard the wonderful silence just before the dawn? Or the quiet and calm just as a storm ends? Or perhaps you know the silence when you haven’t the answer to a question you’ve been asked, or the hush of a country road at night, or the expectant pause of a room full of people when someone is just about to speak, or, most beautiful of all, the moment after the door closes and you’re alone in the whole house? Each one is different, you know, and all very beautiful if you listen carefully. ― Norton Juster, The Phantom Tollbooth

Saying nothing sometimes says the most. —Emily Dickinson

Sometimes it’s better to just be quiet, to not think of anything at all. Out of silence comes the greatest creativity. — James Altucher

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Feeling frenzied or stressed? Try a moment, or two, of silence.

I wrote more about how silence is found in the waiting for stillness.

Spend 12 minutes learning how to embrace silence.

Then listen to the Sound of Silence.

Austin Kleon writes about silence.

Be and become your best today and every day.

With gratitude,

Kathryn

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