- Purposeful silence is a beautiful thing.
- It is better to listen than talk.
- Quiet people have a strong voice.
These are not just simple words but have a deep meaning enclosed. They explain to us the importance of ‘Silence’ in our lives. In this chat let us discuss how ‘ Silence’, besides giving our ears a break, has been shown
to offer significant health advantages that boost overall well-being.
‘Silence’ has different meanings for different people, say, for example, Japanese people, consider silence as an essential form of non-verbal communication — it’s a sign of respect and personal distance for them. For Westerners, silence means something is wrong. They assume that, when people are quiet, it’s because they are doubtful, lonely, or suffering.
Being a talkative person is okay, but actively listening to others is also important. Some situations, such as work meetings may require you to be quiet for long periods of time. Your ‘silence’ can help you dramatically improve your relationships because you're able to show how much you really value what they have to say. One thing is clear, it rarely pays for a high-profile person to speak his/her mind in public.
Your words can make more of an impact when you choose them carefully. Klare Heston, a social worker, says: Instead of filling up the air with many words, choose your words carefully when you feel you have something to contribute”. Speaking your mind may feel goods sometimes, but may turn bad.
Now, let us discuss the 5 advantages of keeping silent :
1) “Silence is the best answer”: Once we had a meeting of the senior staff of our company over the issue of budgetary provisions for the coming financial year. Everybody was asked for his/ her opinion. I had studied the subject well but kept quiet till all my other colleagues had finished. In the end, the boss asked for my opinion. I gave my opinion which was not liked by the ‘chamchas’ of the boss. All of them started arguing against me, although they all knew that I was right. I felt terrible and wanted to give it back to them, but I remembered the words of Dalai Lama XIV who said “Silence is the best answer”. Hence I kept quiet and sat down. After some time, the boss stood up and with a smile on his face, came to the place where I was sitting, patted me on my back, and said” Good job Naresh. I am very pleased to hear your opinion and I think this suggestion will be the best for the betterment of our company.”
2)“Silence is the most powerful weapon.” A meaningful silence is always better than a million meaningless words. While some may say “Silence is a powerful double-sided sword. On one side it can be used to increase our understanding to learn more about people around us; while on the other side ‘silence’ sword can cut through air when our intent is to hurt or let someone know they displeased us.”
4) “Silence is Powerful”. Talk encourages more talk, hence choosing to stay silent, instead of having meaningless conversations. Being ‘silent’ can be powerful. When you are ‘silent’ other people will feel uncomfortable; they often feel compelled to fill ‘silence’ and reveal more about themselves.
Communication is so much powerful, more than words. Sometimes the most powerful leader can say – is nothing, hence these powerful leaders never speak their minds in public.
5) 5) Significant Health Advantages: Besides giving our ears a break, ‘silence’ has been shown to offer significant health advantages that boost overall well-being. From a physiological standpoint, silence helps:
a. Lower blood pressure, which can help prevent a heart attack. ... This was attributed to changes in blood pressure and blood circulation in the brain.
b. Silence seems to have the opposite effect on the brain to noise. While noise may cause stress and tension silence releases tension in the brain and body. A study published in the journal Heart discovered that two minutes of silence can prove to be even more relaxing than listening to “relaxing” music.
c. Silence specifically can reduce heart rate, blood pressure, and minute ventilation (the amount of air that a person breathes per minute), according to one study.
d. Psychological restoration, through being in quiet surroundings, can relieve annoyance and stress and lead to better overall health.
God has given us two ears and one mouth; it means He wants us to hear double than talk. Mahatma Gandhi, India’s greatest ascetic leader, practiced silence once a week. “It has often occurred to me that a seeker after truth has to be silent," he said. “I know the wonderful efficacy of silence. I visited a Trappist monastery in South Africa. A beautiful place it was. Most of the inmates of that place were under a vow of silence. I inquired of the Father the motive of it and he said the motive is apparent: ‘We are frail human beings. We do not know very often what we say. If we want to listen to the still small voice that is always speaking within us, it will not be heard if we continually speak.’ I understood that precious lesson. I know the secret of silence."
Learn to be a good listener and command respect by using lesser words: People who weigh their words before they speak tend to speak more wisely. Their ways will earn them the respect of others and will make them appear more competent. Speak up only when you feel a point needs to be addressed otherwise be a good listener.
Inputs from Google., Pics Courtesy Unsplash
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