Tuning into the Silence

When I got in the car to drive to work, I plugged in my phone, but the audio I was trying to listen to wasn’t loading, so the radio kept playing. In my rush to get on the road (I wasn’t running late; I just have a perpetual sense of urgency…), I kind of forgot about it.

It took me about 10 minutes to realize that the radio was still playing and it was some obnoxious radio show that was not serving me, yet I’d been allowing it to penetrate my psyche unconsciously for 10 minutes. Instead of changing the channel or cueing up a podcast, I decided just to turn it off and drive in silence.

I’ve been doing this more often lately. Turning off the noise. Tuning into silence.

I am often overstimulated. Constant information from social media, podcasts, music, people. Traffic. Stress. Screens. Never-ending to-do lists (yes, I have multiple). Can you relate?

There was a time earlier this year when I couldn’t stand the silence. From the moment I woke up until the moment I went to sleep, I had podcasts, music, or TV playing in the background to keep my attention on anything except my thoughts. I told myself I was making the most of my time, filling every moment with learning and consumption — No Extra Time (N.E.T. — thanks Tony Robbins).

Or even if you’re not steeped in self-help culture (I’ll happily take that on for you and just share the highlights!), we live in a society that values the go-go-go hustle culture, and we can all get caught up in it from time to time.

But there’s something to be said for the silence. Silence is productive, and is often necessary to allow our body and mind to settle so we can continue to function.

For me, this has meant not turning on a podcast when I first wake up but rather brushing my teeth and getting ready for the day in silence. Going for a walk without headphones. Driving in silence. Meditating at least 20 minutes a day — this is new! (Although I usually listen to a guided meditation, there’s plenty of space for silence.)

​So, where do you fit silence in your daily life? And if you don’t, what might you consider adding in (or eliminating) to make space for silence this week? I would love to know. Seriously, hit reply! :)

Sending lots of love and gratitude to you and this community.