Silence Heals

Do you ever wonder what inspired Josef Mohr to write the words to the popular carol Silent Night? One story is that “while walking home one night, Mohr stopped by a hilltop and looked down on the peaceful snow-covered village and reveled in the majestic silence of the wintry night”. The silence made way for a beautiful song of hope.

What else can come out of silence? Some view silence as a means of deepening their spirituality or in the case of the religious, their relationship with God. To some it is a means to quiet the mind, be self-aware, listen better. As some are quick to point out, SILENT and LISTEN share the same letters.

The ability to spend time with one’s thoughts is a great skill to have because it promotes mental, emotional and physical well-being. It is important to create a happy, peaceful place, a haven where one can rest, rejuvenate and reflect. A fortress of solitude, so to speak, a place where no one else can go. Only then can one go back to being a hero in everyday life. The philosopher Lao Tzu said, “Silence is a source of great strength.”  This quote certainly speaks volume.

Studies have been made with conclusions that not only does silence stimulate brain growth, it relaxes the brain and the body that leads to lower blood pressure and increased blood circulation. In contrast, noise increases stress levels by raising cortisol and adrenaline. Silence signs are posted in hospitals for a reason. One said “Shhhh….Quiet please. Healing in progress.”

TIPS:

o Be silent for ten minutes or an hour or longer.

o Silence can be had in a cozy nook of a home or sitting on a chapel pew or even while walking in the park or hiking in the forest.

o Try silence at the beginning and end of each day. Sometimes it can be a challenge to find the energy and motivation to start the day. Likewise, it can be frustrating to attempt winding down for the night and find respite in sleep.

o Throw in some deep breathing exercises.

o When about to say something you might regret later, step back, be quiet and listen. Then it may become easier to build bridges instead of walls.