…
People talking without speaking,
people hearing without listening,
people writing songs that voices never share
and no one dared disturb
the sound of silence.
…
silence like a cancer grows.
…Taken from “The Sound Of Silence” by: Paul Simon, 1964
Paul Simon has brilliantly described what the sound of silence means to him. I , however, have a different take on it. These words make me think about what happens in my head when the outside world is completely quiet.
Whereas the outside world is still, there is an absolute mayhem inside. When my mind is clear of any external interruption then all my doubts, self criticism and panic creep in with an uproar.
While everything outside is silent – the inside is shouting its lungs out. When I’m weak and vulnerable – I’m crumpling up at the self-bashing turmoil. But when am feeling strong and potent – I’m talking back, which makes the inside of my mind even louder…
For this week’s journaling prompt tune in and write down how does the sound of silence resonate with you?
Share –
What do you hear when there is silence?
What organ reigns supreme when everything around is on mute? Is it your heart or your mind? (or another one altogether, perhaps your ear?)
For the hearing impaired – how do you deal with the silence you are living in? I’m in awe and very anxious to learn about your way of coping with the sound of silence.
Share your treasured thoughts by leaving a comment to this post.
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Subscribe by EmailTags: journaling, Journaling Prompt, mus, self healing, silence
I actually like scilence…It makes me focus. Usually because most of the time i am in a rather noisy environment. When its silent I get more creative and can do more things, I am not diverted and not distructed. I think silence can be very powerfull or very disturbing but thats entirly depends on one points of view. One of my wishes is to get the TV out of the house. This will give me some silence!!
Thank you for sharing. I particularly love to hear diverse opinions. We have no TV and so far it’s been good… Last year our TV just collected dust so we are not that eager to buy a new one…
I like silence. It’s soothing and allows me to think. I hate the television, a source of noise and idiocy. TV saps one’s creativity and induces watchers to buy items they don’t need. Give me silence so I can make my own projects.
I understand where you are coming from. I also need silence for concentration and a TV is definitely a huge distraction.
However, when I concentrate long enough, together with creativity come other types of thoughts… I’m glad you don’t experience it.
I guess it’s logical that self criticism is induced together with the creativity itself.
I need to work on it.
Hello — first time commenter here. I really enjoy silence now. Silence used to drive me crazy, but now, it is my refuge. I am a mom of 2 young kids so their noise is constant. Also, I work part time at a “health & fitness” center, at the front desk. Here is what I am exposed to: pounding/slamming/popping noise of racquetballs being violently paddled across the court, throbbing/thumping aerobics music, children running and yelling, adults talking and laughing, phones ringing, washing machines beeping ALL AT THE SAME TIME! Talk about noise pollution and sensory overload! So when I get a chance to sit in silence, I bask in it. I do not play the radio in the van very often anymore. Its my down time, my quite time. Yeah, bring on the silence!
Thanks for sharing, Patty.
I can definitely understand you. Just reading about your day-to-day routine has almost gave me an headache (that’s because you write so beautifully and vividly).
This is exactly how I thought about this post before posting it – everyone has his/hers own interpretation to silence. It’s very interesting to read each one’s outlook on it.