A day of silence, for the purpose of relief from noise and technological pollution, can be like a cleanse. That’s why I took on the challenge from my qigong teacher even though he didn’t offer it as a challenge but as a time of inward honing. Twenty-four hours of no talking, tv, computer, texts, phone calls or music. Just me alone with my six senses and nature.
Honestly, I was nervous the night before. I wouldn’t let my daughter get off the phone knowing that she was the last person I would talk to for a day, even though she reminded me that I could do this for half a day if I wanted. No, I was going to work through the difficult times and experience the whole day alone.
In the morning I stayed in bed longer than usual noticing for the first time how soft my sheets were. Then I fed and weeded the garden, changed my spice rack, did craft projects needing my attention for a long time and cooked. I was about to check a recipe online, but remembered that the computer was off-limits. Around 1:30 I began to wonder how my Sunday pals – Oprah, Leslie Stahl and Chuck Todd – were getting along without me. It was REALLY quiet and I was running out of projects. I got a second wind and spent time outside having a snack and listening to the wind and the birds.
When I woke up on Monday morning, I discovered that the world went on as usual without me. The newscasters were still discussing the same issues as before my day of silence. No one changed except me. I realized how invested I am in technology and outside affirmation and how I lost the deeper connection with myself. The world of nature and taking in information through my senses is just as important as checking texts and social media.
Everyday since my day of silence I have found it necessary to reduce my “to do” list by one thing knowing that what I required of myself was impossible without tremendous stress. I look forward to giving myself this gift of silence again. I understand that many people with small children and demanding jobs can’t do that, but maybe they can be aware of the importance of disengaging from toxic distractions and diversions and find a small chance to reunite with their senses.
This was very nice Ellie. How easy it is to become distracted from ourselves, the most important of it all.
Thank you once again for sharing your insights and wisdom. <3
Love this!!