Our internal chatter also contributes to the lack of silence in our lives. I have already said that silence is more than the absence of noise. Are we so unwilling to be alone with ourselves and what is the level of noise in our society and the absence of silence doing to our mental health? The minute they are “alone” they check their phone, and then use it to connect to some digital input. In a public place very rarely do you see someone just sitting. The use of silence in communication is also culturally bound and can mean different things in different contexts. Most of us clearly recognise the difference between a disapproving silence and that which is affirms that what we are saying is being truly listened to. Silence can be used both positively and negatively in communication, and thus can influence our relationships. Psychological benefits of silence can include enhanced creativity, focus, self control, self awareness, perspective and spirituality. Spending time in silence has been found to have positive effects on the body in terms of reducing blood pressure, boosting the immune system, reducing blood cortisol, promoting hormone regulation and prevention of arterial plaque formation. However, research is beginning to suggest that silence itself is beneficial both physically and psychologically. But does that mean that silence is good for us? Well not necessarily, silence is more than the absence of noise. Research is fairly clear that too much noise is bad for us. In our busy, noisy world many people seem to fear silence. In our language the word silence is often used with negative connotations a conspiracy of silence, being given the silent treatment, lifting the veil of silence.

It can be used to indicate emotional withdrawal, disapproval or even punishment. Like any power it can be used to hurt or to heal and perhaps this is why people respond so variably to it.įor some people silence means loneliness, isolation or awkwardness. What does this tell us about the functions of silence? The Functions Of Silence It’s also possible to look forward to a period of silence only to find you can’t engage with it and I have had this experience in the past. On reflections at the end of silent retreat periods, some of these people come to enjoy the silence, but some don’t. However, I have observed some people seem really uncomfortable at the prospect of a period of silence. On the rare occasion I’m in the house on my own, the washing machine or dishwasher are usually running. I live with my husband and our two teenage children, all of them play different musical instruments, there’s not a lot of quiet in our house. This has given me the opportunity to reflect on the power of silence and the range of responses it elicits from people.

In the last six months I’ve had three experiences of silent retreats.

Apower reflect