Oftentimes we find ourselves caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With this in mind, it is natural to lose sight of what is most important.
Growing up in a fairly quiet, conservative town, life was simple. For me, it was a bit too simple. I was constantly itching to travel. The itch quickly became wanderlust as I promptly adventured to areas I never thought I would before. At the same time, I was encountering about cultures previously unfamiliar to me. I soon realized it was impossible to receive a sliver of silence in all the places I explored. From LA to Madrid, it was a constant clamor of helicopters, chatter and cars honking. While a certain glamour is associated with big city life, I was reluctant to admit I missed the sweet sound of silence.
Noise casts a burden on the human thought process, and fails to give creative notions the ability to come and go freely. Perhaps it is my own perception that silence is one of the loudest, yet most peaceful sounds we have the satisfaction of experiencing.
On a recent walk home from the beach, I recall hearing a strange echo my mind could barely handle. My mind had such a difficult time making out the piercing resonance, that my body stopped in its tracks. This sound was complete, and utter, silence. I couldn't remember the last time I felt so at peace with my thoughts, and felt as if it was a hundred times easier to take a deep breath. Looking up, I saw the raw, natural beauty of the autumn leaves and blue skies. Typically, sand in my socks and shoes would bother me, but this time it did not. I was suddenly aware of everything was I was surrounded by. I took full advantage of this moment to reflect and clear up any internal conflicts I was facing at the time. For I knew that when I returned home, my ears would be greeted with the sounds of dogs barking, family members chatting and pots and pans clanging in preparation for dinner.
Silence is good noise - a noise that promotes mindfulness.
