Silence is golden and many of us become acquainted with the phrase from
young when we first visit a library.
But do you know that the power of silence can help to heal and rejuvenate
your body?
In all major spiritual practices, observing silence is given importance
because it is recognised as a necessary factor for our busy lifestyle.
Many seek peace and quietness by going for nature retreats or holidays,
not realising that calmness can be achieved by regularly celebrating
silence at work or in the home.
Exercising silence allows an individual to flush out his or her negative
thoughts and allows the mind to absorb fresh input.
Besides this, it also makes the individual more conscious of the choice of
words when he or she speaks.
This is vital because often people are quick to utter harsh words in haste
without much thought only to regret later.
A recommended practice is to observe silence at least once a month or
whenever an individual wants to break free from stress, anger, fear or
anxiety.
Observing silence should not be viewed as sign of defeat or withdrawal but
taking a step back or a break to compose and enhance an individual's mind
power.
In India, many Hindus observe silence twice a month, during the waxing and
waning of the moon because the moon is supposed to influence the mind.
Such practices, which are regarded as auspicious, are followed from 6am to
6pm and some do not consume food and drinks during the period.
However, there are some who may be uncomfortable in the absence of sound
and unaware that they are actually overworking their body, mind and
spirit.
Taking a vow of silence is like fasting for the mind and it provides rest
and balance.
A simple method to practise silence is to:
Choose a day when you will not need to communicate with others very
much.
· Decide that you will not speak for a number of hours or even the whole
day.
You may need to carry a small notebook with you to write down anything
you cannot avoid communicating with others, but ideally try to be alone.
Another way to observe silence is through meditation.
Find a quiet spot and sit and observe the movement of your thoughts.
As you observe your mind, you should place yourself outside the mind
temporarily.
Don't allow yourself to be involved with any favourable or unfavourable
ideas that appear and disappear on your mental scene during the period.
Be a neutral observer and watching the mind will gradually lead you to
the experience of inner silence.
You will find that thoughts are no longer rushing in an irregular way
and eventually your mind will attain considerable stability and self
control.
Remember that being silent can be an extraordinary experience of peace
that helps you to also still the inner chatter of the mind.
According to Art of Living guru Sri Ravi Shanker in his book Celebrating
Silence: "Some questions can only be answered in silence".
In his best-selling book, he says silence is the goal of all answers and
if an answer does not silence the mind then it is not an answer.
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