Lot of noise about Silence

... in my mind, for the last few days.

Yesterday, I was in a car with one of my nieces. One of her favorite dance numbers was the background music as I was talking non-stop as usual about something. The child gave me this 'Oh..Please....' look and said, " Chitthi, I want to listen to this song, please.."

For the first time, that request seemed sensible to me. I stopped talking till the song got over.

Later yesterday evening, when I had some quiet time for myself, I debated silence in my mind. Oh yes, if you are quiet, it does not mean you are silent.

I was not talking but worse still, was debating silence in my head. Debates can cause stress and talks relieve you of stress. Its amazing how both these involve the same talking on a different stage with a different mind set.

After a varied levels of arguments in my mind, as on date I can conclude that:

Being Quiet is important when:

- writing an exam.

- in a pointless argument.

- uttering one word can cause disastrous turn of the already serious situation.

Being quiet just means 'not talking'. It has definitely no other relevance and mostly to do with protocol or decency that you choose to respect.

Silence means to attempt to keep your mind quiet and focus on what is happening within or in front of you. Silence can mean introspection, bring inner peace and comfort and equals a meditative mood, most of the times.

Being silent makes sense when:

-listening to someone speak their heart out.

-lending shoulder to lean on for someone who needs support.

-in a condolence meeting.

-a baby is sleeping.

-art has you completely fascinated.

-you are in the company of a beautiful natural scenery and a companion.

These are some of the moments that I think silence makes sense.

Often I see dictionaries and people equating silence and 'not talking'. They are two different concepts altogether. I believe that Silence brings peace whereas Quietness can bring turbulence to some people.

A talkative person need not be turbulent in mind as is the popular belief.

A talkative person is more silent in the mind because he/she has less to burden the mind and is eventually at a better position to handle blood pressure + inner peace than the quiet person.

This whole post is with due respect to and in complete agreement with the saying : Words and eggs are to be handled with care, for, Eggs when broken and Words when spoken cannot be repaired.

This whole thing about Silence was nagging me for the last few weeks and I felt it important to write it out here. Share your views too. Would love to know what you think.