I read somewhere that people assume you’re stupid when you’re silent. That person may have paraphrased part of Abraham Lincoln’s quote, “Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak a remove all doubt.”
Everything created in the universe has a logical purpose. Take trees; they lose their leaves every fall, and new leaves grow every spring. The fallen leaves shelter animals during the coldest months and the new leaves are essential for providing shade during the hottest months. This is just one purpose trees offer.
I find that one of the logical reasons humans have two ears and one mouth is because the growth of one’s mind comes from listening with both ears, providing data to the brain before making educated responses. I am a quiet observer. I can be in a room full of people and be content to use my eyes and ears instead of converse with others. Some people view this as antisocial behavior, but I view it as an essential first step in speaking with others.
I use silence as my loudest voice. Being silent provides the best landscape for making decisions. I’m quiet in meetings as I gather my data. I’m calm when someone speaks to me so that I can absorb what they are saying. I am even quiet when people are trying to control my actions.
But in my silence, I am speaking. I speak to myself to analyze what is said through voice, body language, and between the lines. I ensure what I allow in my life aligns with who I am and where I am going.
The most important conversations are those with the self. When I’m not running my mouth, I can focus on acting on my words. Words without action give illusions, but I seek truth, and truth can’t always be found in words.
Silence is loud and can be heard over the most audible voice, but those not adept at silence can’t hear me and think me slow-witted. I have interacted with people who thought I was unintelligent because I was quiet. Some confessed this after conversing with me, and others tried to use me, thinking I would never speak up for myself. No matter the situation, I always prove them wrong. I listen, I hear intent, and I watch actions. Silence is my choice. I am quiet but aware.
I choose silence over arguments, wasted conversations, and unaligned social interactions. I am never found in a debate that is not set in increasing knowledge and/or awareness. I also hear silence where words and actions should be present. I used to protest with words due to an obsession with wanting to know why, but now, I meet silence with silence, and the message becomes clear.
Silence helps me down the road of equanimity.
Think over your life. How do you use silence to speak? Are you effective in your silence?
Look Within 