Silence

Sssshhhhhh

The more silent I was, the more I could hear. The animals relaxed: they knew that I was there but was no threat. The more noise I made, the quieter nature became. Keeping still, I would understand what was around me. — in How to catch a mole: wisdom from a life lived in nature by Marc Hamer

Wherever I go, I hear the human noise: endless talking, music playing, car horns honking and engines revving, leaf blowers and lawn mowers whining. And again, all the talking.

When I walk along the beach or in the foothills, I notice people talking (loudly!) on their cell phones or listening to music (loud!) and wonder if they are hearing, let alone seeing, the world around them.

Is there something about silence we fear?

Does it leave us too alone with our troubling thoughts and worries?

Do we feel too small and vulnerable when we become quiet enough to notice the vast uncaring universe around us?

Is this why many of us find it difficult to stop talking long enough to really hear, let alone understand, what others are saying?

Is this why many of us find it hard to stop working even when we are past the point of exhaustion?

Is this why many of us keep consuming things we don’t especially need or even enjoy?

Is this why many of us keep getting “addicted” to things that keep us distracted or excited or numb?

Is this why many of us find the practice of meditation such a daunting task?

Is this why writing and journaling are so popular these days as a safe structured way to be quieter and tune in to ourselves and the lives we are (maybe) living?

Is there a price to be paid for all the noise we are making?

Is there something about silence we fear?

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