It’s the reason I get up while it’s still dark outside and forgo a few more winks. Even when I’m content, warm, and cozy under the covers and I know I don’t have any pressing morning appointments. Still, I leave the comfort of our bedroom and head down the hallway. Yes, the thought of a cup of coffee brewed with freshly ground beans is enticing. Sure, my writing journal lying on my desk with pen attached is inviting. And for certain, waiting for the pink and apricot streaks to appear in the dawn sky is alluring. But my true motivation for getting up before the sun is the…silence.
From my journal: November 6, 1991, Hillsboro, Oregon
“still dark…the day is breaking…so quiet, peaceful, I can see into the valleys and pastures below…it looks like an ocean out there among the clouds.”
Beginning each morning with the sound of silence I’m enveloped in peace. It gives me a chance to start the day with a clear mind. Often, this space gives me time to reflect on what’s going on in my life. It ushers in new ideas and insights. Wherever I’ve lived throughout my life, I’ve always risen early to take in the hush, the tranquility, the stillness. No matter the day, or place, I look forward to it because I know soon enough audible existences will make themselves known. Singing birds, chattering squirrels, and barking dogs announce they’re awake. The cacophony of commuters signals it’s time to go places. The hustle and bustle of trash collectors, gardeners, and home delivery vehicles let us know they’re at our service. Voices of families, friends, and neighbors echo greetings to one another. Ah, the familiar and welcome sound of everyday life.
While our sense of hearing is an essential link to life, so too is silence. In the absence of noise, our brains and bodies get to take a breather. This helps reduce stress, lowers blood pressure, and decreases our heart rate. Periods of quiet can stave off mental fatigue, boost creativity, and improve focus. And according to a 2013 study published in Brain, Structure, and Function two hours of accumulated silence each day can lead to cell regeneration in the hippocampus, the area of the brain associated with emotion, memory, and learning.
Although I have time to savor periods of silence, others may not. Working full-time, raising kids, caring for parents, and other obligations can make carving out quiet time challenging. However, making a few changes in your environment and daily habits can help.
Creating a serene space is key. These days I find solitude in our family room that has a view of our backyard. Sitting in my comfy recliner, a warm throw is always within reach for those chilly mornings. And looking out at our birch and pepper trees standing steadfast calms me. If you can designate a spot at home to relax, that’s terrific. If not, perhaps there’s a place at work away from distractions that can serve this purpose. If you commute, creating a quiet zone within your car with no radio, news, or music on, might do the trick. If on public transportation, noise cancelling headphones may give you some peace. Also, don’t overlook one of my favorite places to go, a hang out where silence always rules – the public library!
Incorporating a couple of noise free time outs on a regular basis can be beneficial, as well. How long I sit in stillness depends on what’s on my agenda. Every morning I start with at least a half hour. Throughout the day, I also power down in between projects or activities. These pockets of silence might be 10 to 30 minutes long. Each day, I aim for a total of 120 minutes, as that’s the amount in which measurable health benefits occur. If breaks aren’t always possible, just taking just a few minutes here and there to center yourself is good. Every little bit counts!
In a time of non-stop activity, much of our waking hours are anything but quiet. On any given day you may hear the hum of people talking, footsteps walking, cell phones ringing, music playing, buses driving, sirens wailing, car horns honking, children laughing, machines operating, and more. While the sound of daily life helps us to understand others and what’s outside, the sound of silence helps us understand ourselves and what’s inside. Silence also gives us room to make sense of, process, and better navigate the fast-paced, busy, and often noisy world we live in.
A Journal Journey 