I had to laugh when I started thinking about this, because I immediately realized that I never hear silence--because of the tinnitus I've had - for maybe 35 years. I normally am not aware of the constant buzzing sound, because my brain has trained itself to ignore...but I also suspect that it helps that there is almost always music on in our house, or I am listening to something--like audiobook, podcast, etc. or talking to someone on the phone, listening to TV, etc. I don't mind being "quiet" ie not talking or being alone--but thinking about this also made me realize that there are also almost always words in my head--the words I hear when reading, when writing, when thinking! So, while this didn't quite take me down the rabbit hole you opened up. It did cause some interesting revelations! So thanks.
Peace, clarity, necessary, essential, soothing were the first words that came to mind. I definitely need moments of peace every day. I meditate for 30 minutes daily around teatime and if I have to miss it for several days, I notice it as a kind of edginess in my skin 😒
Hi Jo. Brilliant question. My five words: Beautiful, soothing, painful, powerful, essential. When I see 'silent retreats' advertised, I always think, 'Wow, I bet that would be amazing and such a relief...' and yet I've never been on one, maybe because I'm too scared. I generally love silence, but sometimes it can become too much...
I had to laugh when I started thinking about this, because I immediately realized that I never hear silence--because of the tinnitus I've had - for maybe 35 years. I normally am not aware of the constant buzzing sound, because my brain has trained itself to ignore...but I also suspect that it helps that there is almost always music on in our house, or I am listening to something--like audiobook, podcast, etc. or talking to someone on the phone, listening to TV, etc. I don't mind being "quiet" ie not talking or being alone--but thinking about this also made me realize that there are also almost always words in my head--the words I hear when reading, when writing, when thinking! So, while this didn't quite take me down the rabbit hole you opened up. It did cause some interesting revelations! So thanks.
Peace, clarity, necessary, essential, soothing were the first words that came to mind. I definitely need moments of peace every day. I meditate for 30 minutes daily around teatime and if I have to miss it for several days, I notice it as a kind of edginess in my skin 😒
Hi Jo. Brilliant question. My five words: Beautiful, soothing, painful, powerful, essential. When I see 'silent retreats' advertised, I always think, 'Wow, I bet that would be amazing and such a relief...' and yet I've never been on one, maybe because I'm too scared. I generally love silence, but sometimes it can become too much...