Often, I become distracted. There are many reasons behind this. Mobile notifications continuously come, and also the urges to watch the news rise now and then. I also remain busy with various tasks. In social life, I have to meet people. Sometimes, all these activities and noise make my mind tired. Then, I can’t think properly. What can be the solution?
This is a common problem. Modern life is full of noise and distraction. There is sound pollution. In this digital age, we are plugged in almost 24/7. Not only that, our inner little voice also doesn’t stop. It becomes disturbing and increases anxiety and stress through negative self-talk.
Why is Silence Important?
There is a helpful way to overcome the above-mentioned problem. When in silence, I feel soothed. My focus increases, worries decrease, and mind gets more energy. Then, I can think deeply in quiet. Practicing silence also increases my productivity and helps to generate new ideas, paving the path for creativity.
According to scientific studies, if we remain quiet for two hours daily, that silence generates new brain cells, which are related to learning and emotion in the hippocampus. Silence can also strengthen memory. It helps us enjoy life.
How to Utilize Silence Strategically?
How can we use silence as an effective and powerful instrument to think better? What is the strategy for that?
First, identify the noises that you have to avoid. If you listen minutely, you can hear many sounds coming from various sources. Then, take precautions to gain silence, which can be an asset.
However, in the early morning or late at night, these noises are generally less, as most people sleep at that time. If possible, you may go to a separate room in your house where no one will disturb you. A noise-canceling headset also helps. Or you can go to some secluded place, such as a park or out in nature, as I often go to the villages outside the city riding my bicycle.
You can practice silence for a short time slot and take a two-minute break from time to time within your busy schedule. Can sit and contemplate. You may also remain silent during movement, while walking, traveling, or working out.
One may also practice silence for a long stretch of time. For example, one can remain silent for a day. He may take a short vacation/workcation and go to another place. Can practice silence for 24 hours there. That will boost deep thinking.
In fact, when we participate in conversations, we can take time to think before reacting. You can also pause after saying something. Those short moments of silence will help improve our quality of thought and communication.
One of my friends practices silence weekly for two hours. He schedules it on a particular day on the weekend when he is less busy. He goes to a place where no one knows him and walks around the streets, sits on a park bench, or in a cafe. Then he thinks deeply on some specific topics and observes what thoughts float through his mind. Later, he notes them down.
I want to mention a personal experience here. As a social worker, we generally start our organizational team meetings by observing silence for one minute. In this way, we show respect for social workers and people who have passed away recently. This is a convention in our stream of activity. We start discussions after that. Then, participants become more serious about the meeting, as I have observed. All other irrelevant discussions stop. That helps create a positive environment for constructive discussion. Though it is used to show respect for those who have passed away, silence makes a difference in the atmosphere.
But sometimes we become too silent and fail to talk when needed. It can create communication gaps. So, there must be a balance between silence and talking. Solitude is healthy in proper doses. However, if someone lives alone for too long without social interactions, their thoughts will decrease.
One may practice meditation and mindfulness also, and observe their thoughts nonjudgmentally. Silence boosts our spirits. Even more secular people are now practicing meditation and mindfulness, spending time in silent contemplation.
So, silence is a resource, and it is very powerful. Even a few minutes of daily silence can transform our lives. It can be a part of alternative culture in this era of clutter and distractions, ensuring a healthy and thoughtful lifestyle.