The Benefits of Silence

We exist in a world that seeks our constant attention. Our daily, weekly, and monthly commitments create little time to be alone with our thoughts. Technology's role in our lives creates the need always to be available. Our acceptance of constant connection can interfere with our growth as people and educators.

Connecting to ourselves as people and educators can develop through silence and time away from others. People need time to think and wonder about the day, work, and life. Engaging in deep thought and making discoveries about ourselves requires less distraction. A silence practice creates a pathway for us to be alone with our thoughts.

Time spent in silence creates an opportunity to discover our true selves. Silence is a time to think, wonder, and learn. Silence creates moments of clarity as we connect with our inner voice. Silence captures our attention and signals our body and mind that something of interest is brewing and is ready to come to the surface. Silence invites our spirit to come alive.

So why do we, as people and educators, avoid cultivating more silence in our lives?

Silence can be scary. When we take time to listen to our inner voice, ideas and wonderings come alive. Some of our thoughts are challenging. When we are quiet, the thoughts we have avoided in our life bubble up and may cause us pain. Silence is enlightening and uncomfortable at the same time. Silence is also cleansing.

Silence invites us to listen and live a deeper life. Time, the measure of our existence, is passing by quicker than we realize. As we engage in our chosen distraction, life is speeding away. Distractions are forms of external stimulation. By seeking distraction, we focus on the past when our true life exists now. Silence slows time and invites us to be present and savor the moment where true joy lives. When we embrace more silence in our lives, we discover what makes us happy. As our happiness and enhanced ability to be present grows, this will transform our life and relationship with our work in the classroom.

Beginning a silence practice is easy. Most of us feel we do not have time for one more thing, but usually, we have time. Time in silence will pay back many dividends in a short time. To begin a practice of silence, start slow. Take ten minutes, do one of the following, and add more time as you realize the benefits of your new practice.

Journal - Find some paper and a quiet space and write. You can write about something specific on your mind or nothing in particular. Try to create a space for reflection and letting go. Write down your thoughts, a little or a lot, while you spend time in quiet and think. I often journal at the beginning of the day. Journaling helps me reflect on my experiences and connect with the present before the workday begins.

Walk - Journaling is not for everyone, especially as you begin a silent practice. Another way to create time to listen and discover the inner self is through walking. Taking a quiet stroll through the neighborhood or local park provides an outlet for people who like to be active. Walking in silence invites our inner selves to emerge. Leave phones, music, and headphones home to get the most out of the silent walking experience. You, nature, and the people you encounter make up the experience. The quieter space you choose to walk in, the more benefits you will receive.

Sit - Sitting is a challenging silence practice that offers insight and discovery. Some people will gravitate to this practice, while others may prefer spending time in silence journaling or walking. To begin a sitting practice, try to set aside some time each day. Most people prefer the morning while the world is still quiet. At first, sitting will be challenging as most of us feel the need to do something. Some people like to sit with their eyes closed and meditate. I enjoy sipping coffee while sitting in the quiet of the morning. Usually, nothing happens at first, and then thoughts begin to materialize. We can let them pass or think deeper about what they mean to us. Ideas during this time are not actionable. Sitting in silence is a time of reflection to process our experiences and let them gently pass through us.

Taking time for ourselves in silence benefits our well-being and supports our work as early childhood educators. Silence is a time of discovery and renewal that helps us connect with our life's meaning. Silence is the key to long-term happiness and connection. The quieter we become, the more we hear.