Silence is the doorway to a state of mental stillness which is essential for experiencing inner peace. When we are away from noise, the break from the constant influx of auditory stimuli and distractions allows the mind to rest, focus better, think more clearly, and find solutions to problems. Just as sleep is necessary for physical healing and recovery, silence promotes mental and emotional recuperation by providing a break from incessant cerebral activity and external pressures.
The body too benefits. The calming environment created by silence lowers the heart rate and the levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, leading to a more relaxed state.
Silence offers the opportunity to reflect, and tune into our inner thoughts and feelings without external interruptions. This aids emotional healing and the development of self-awareness, which contributes to our overall well-being.
Paradoxically, silence enhances the value of verbal communication. In conversation, silence helps in listening more attentively, allows for thoughtful responses, and gives space for others to express their thoughts. In addition, it fosters patience and a sense of respect in relationships.
Silence is generally defined as the complete lack of noise or sound. It is much more than that – it is a source of power, and the womb in which wisdom is nurtured.
But in a world where we are surrounded by sounds of all kinds, and where more and more people seem to be addicted to sound (they wear headphones or earphones most of the time), how do we find silence and reap its benefits?
The way to accumulate the power of silence is to be introverted and to stay in solitude. When we regularly look within to examine our thoughts and feelings and identify the attitudes, beliefs, and biases that influence our thinking, we can recognise where we are going wrong in our understanding of people and situations. We can then correct our perspective, see the larger picture, and take considered decisions.
In other words, it is in silence that we can develop our powers of concentration, discernment, and judgment. On the path of self-improvement, these powers are vital for progress as they help us bring about positive changes in our thought processes, personality, and behaviour.
Silence also cools down the fire of anger. By providing space for introspection, it enables us to see the futility of anger and the harm it does. In moments of quiet, the mind is able to see better ways of engaging with people and situations.
Not just anger, silence can end any kind of mental upheaval caused by waste or negative thoughts. And no matter what someone’s attitude or habits are like, silence, coupled with sincerity and dedication, has the power to transform them.
B.K. Atam Prakash is a Rajyoga teacher at the Brahma Kumaris headquarters in Mount Abu, Rajasthan.