Power of Silence

I have been spending lots of my time working on the changes going on in the homestead. Seems that all at once, several pieces of equipment RIPed as well as an accumulation of textiles and old relics (no, not my husband!) are heading for the garbage/recycling/donating place.

Change is the only constant. The one thing that is a guarantee in life: besides death and taxes. Change is inevitable — except from a vending machine, said Robert C. Gallagher. Like many, change to me can be unnerving; unraveling my well known routine and having me stop to learn, to readjust my actions.

So on Saturday, while everyone was out, I was the IT gal, configuring the new desktop and the new printer. Something I don't do on a daily basis. In the silence of my home, I was able to concentrate on the task at hand.

Halfway through the process, I was getting a bit restless and decided to throw on some tunes on the record player; the one my husband received last Christmas from our son. That was a big mistake. Within minutes, I was flustered and stressed, realizing that this wasn't going to work. The needle was taken off the record.

I remember in my youth, being able to listen to my record player or radio and doing my homework. Looking back, it seemed to work most of the time since I was an A/B student. When I am at a task that I can go autopilot on, the music can be on. To focus on a task however, I need to power up on the silence.

Silence doesn't seem to get respect. How can you be noticed in silence? Especially when everyone around you is vocalizing their facts and opinions. How can you benefit from silence?

Silence is a source of great strength. - Lao Tzu. With so many distractions and opportunities from technology, the only silence one has is when the head hits the pillow. Unless you need the television on for sleeping.

I find that I need silence in my car most of the time. Downtime driving, to reacquaint myself with me. Just to surround myself with thoughts and reflections, of the mundane, of the inspirations. Moments away from communications from others, whether spoken or unspoken, whether pleasant or not. A chance to notice the power of silence.