Today I listened to silence.  Carmel Rowley

Today was one of those silent days, so silent I could hear the ringing in my ears. To have a day with barely a sound filtering across the landscape is so rare you stop what you’re doing and listen.

All day I listened to a sunny, sweeping silence. For months and months all I’ve been hearing is the constant beep, beep of reversing, road making machinery over the hill on Euston Road. Then on the many overcast days of late, the planes have been flying low on route to the airport and local wannabe ‘Craig Lownes’ are always on the road doing spinouts. Yes, we live in a semi rural area and down a long driveway but our life is still noticeably full of noise.

I’m realistic enough to know we can’t really escape everyday noise. But we can savour the days like today – a frosty morning followed by a day full of sunshine, blue sky and birds celebrating a rare day of quiet where peace abounds and the very atmosphere is soothing, and spiritual. The more silent you are, the more you can hear yourself think.

“We listen too much to the telephone and we listen too little to nature. The wind is one of my sounds. A lonely sound, perhaps, but soothing. Everybody should have his personal sounds to listen for—sounds that will make him exhilarated and alive, or quiet and calm… As a matter of fact, one of the greatest sounds of them all—and to me it is a sound—is utter, complete silence.” ~André Kostelanetz

Have you ever heard the silence just as darkness falls. The birds have settled into their chosen trees for the night, the horses are fed and if you step outside all is calm. I remember how the foals would be snuggled in the stable shavings at their mother feet. The mares occasionally licking their heads.

Tonight as I fed the horses my peaceful day turned into an impatient clatter as I mixed the feeds but once all the horses were eating peace descended once again – a gentle chewing in unison, music to the ears. When they are silent and content, horses would have to be the most extraordinary animals in the world.

Dr. Glenys Drew also makes an important point about silent, thoughtful people. “… the more silent people will often have a great deal to offer because they listen more, often possessing a reflective and observant personality. I usually find that they have a great deal to contribute. I know that this is just one aspect of silence, but I believe silence affords us a lot of important realisations.”

Savour every silent moment available they are all unique and present at different phases of your life, all are beautiful and if you listen carefully revelations can be revealed. There’s always something new to ponder so leave some time in your day to enjoy the space between the bustle of everyday life. Say nothing, think quietly, enjoy being you. Close your eyes, let the sun warm your face and smile.

“Keep on finding joy in the simple, truthful and profound, where it – and I think we all – truly ‘belong’, if we only take the time and the silence to know it!”

~ Glenys Drew