Silence

Why I think solitude and silence are important for me

đź“… 14 Jan 2022

I’m really close to the finish line of my #100DaysToOffload series and I was honestly running out of ideas. I have the last two days covered but today was a problem. Really, this will be a prequel of sorts to the next three days.

Since my late teenage years I have enjoyed prolonged periods of solitude. Interestingly, there is a limit or at least I imagine there is one. Anything over a few days my mind starts drifting too much and I have to reel myself back in. But up to a few days of silence can be very cathartic for me. Writing during those periods of solitude is even better.

I don’t really do anything during these periods of time. I write some, read a book, drink coffee.

I’m fortunate that I have had jobs that always seem to provide the occasional two to three days off. I know not everyone is that lucky.

But it’s always interesting to me to read about how different cultures handle silence and solitude. I want to visit these cultures, to not feel awkward walking around with someone and not saying anything.

It’s also interesting to me that I tend to talk a lot when I get to know people. Outside my periods of solitude, I almost feel like I need to bring energy and activate something within whatever group I’m in, even though I’m a pretty extreme introvert.

Nevertheless, even when I’m around people, some of the most memorable experiences of my life have been those moments when I’m just sitting with a friend, drinking coffee, and not saying anything.

“Life never slows down.”

Those words were uttered to me on a cold spring morning over a warm cup of coffee.

My hands were shaking. My head hurt. My heart was broken.

I will never forget those words. And I think that’s why I like silence. Life never does slow down. But we can take those moments, however infrequent and short they may be, and stop.

Listen.

Don’t move. Don’t speak.

Just listen.

Day 98: #100DaysToOffload



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