On television we see famous people seeking silence, realizing how meaningful it can be. This does not alter the fact that the viewing figures should not lie either. While this used to only be the case with commercial channels, public channels now have the same problem. However, this does not take away the essence of ‘seeking silence’. Popular or not, it can be good for everyone to seek silence for a shorter or longer period of time.
Silence…
We don’t always realize it, but how often are we really in a quiet space/environment? A space in which we come to our own thoughts. This is very rare, because we are busy with the hustle and bustle of the day, earning money, starting and running a family, keeping an eye on the world (think of the internet and television) and so much more needs to be done (especially from ourselves).
Yet that silence is essential to have a conversation with yourself. Your mind is and will remain busy with all kinds of things if you do not achieve that silence. A moment when your brain has to get used to not having to think about anything and only then do you arrive at your pure thoughts. The next question is or could be what the added value of silence is.
Added value
Everyone faces a number of essential life questions at some point in their lives. Many people will recognize it as menopause or penopause that looms somewhere in life. It doesn’t become a struggle for everyone, but it does for many people. The examples where the man suddenly wants to experience whether he still matters and a young woman shows up or whether he still thinks he is the young god and wants to go touring on his motorcycle. But also the woman who wonders for a moment whether to clean up poopy diapers, to have exchanged that nice job for a part-time job and to race from school, to work, home (household), to the sports club (to keep looking good). is what she previously had in mind.
Ideals
After all, everyone has ideals and you often develop them from your adolescence and after your education you will give substance to work, a partner, hobby, etc. But for far from everyone things go as originally planned and if they do go as planned After a while, is it still what you are chasing and are you enjoying life?
But of course it can also be a thought from another development that you need to do something with at some point. Think of a major event in your vicinity, such as the unexpected death of someone, or you discover that you actually don’t love yourself that much. It can all be a reason to reflect on the moment, your feelings, your future and your past. Where are you now and where do you want to go?
Looking
The hustle and bustle of the day rarely gives you reason to withdraw into yourself and think about situations. A day in the sauna, which can offer you some peace and quiet, is not sufficient for truly seeking out the silence to reconnect with yourself. You will soon need four to five days to let go of your normal busy life and start feeling comfortable in the silence.
Some examples of how you can come to terms with yourself, where it can be seen as self-evident that you do not have a mobile phone, tablet or laptop with you.
- Go into nature (and don’t go to a busy resort) where you have to decide for yourself which nature appeals to you most. The green forest, the vast heathlands and sand drifts or the waves of the sea.
- Find a monastery (the South of the Netherlands and Belgium still offer opportunities) to hold a silent week there. These monasteries are usually quiet, where you can also take beautiful walks in peace and quiet.
- A little further away, there are also locations for rent in remote areas in France or Spain. This can be joint and arranged, but also from individual houses where you are completely dependent on yourself.
- Special “quiet” trips where a lot of time is reserved alone in beautiful surroundings and some shared time with your traveling companions. Often combined with, for example, yoga or tai chi lessons.
- If you need help to realize your silence, there are trips where professionals can accompany you and support you.
- Learning to meditate with a professional can also help you find the moment of silence. Once you can meditate, you can also apply this at home. Since it is much more intensive, a regular meditation moment can also give you the answers. You need to know that you don’t let the hustle and bustle of the day consume you.
Finally
Whether you are going to do it yourself or you need help, every period of silence depends on seriously giving substance to it and thinking about the questions about life that you have reserved. Even if you go with someone else, you are still supposed to seek the silence within yourself. With or without help, you will always have to do it yourself.