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How to practice silence on a daily basis and what to learn from the experience

A Hebrew teaching by the sage Hillel the Elder: "If I am not for myself, who will be for me?" (Tiny Buddha)

I am not a quiet person by nature. I love to talk. I keep talking with those I am close to. Sometimes I think my mind and voice can never remain still.  I am the chatterbox in the family but family members say that wherever I go, I make it a festive celebration of sorts. So, you can imagine how difficult it can be for some one as talkative as me to practice silence on a daily basis. But if I can do it, be assured that you will be able to do so too.  [READ: What are Tantric Practices? Find out!] 
                                         [Image: Pexels.com]

Lessons from Silence

Here are some vital lessons I have learned from practicing silence and I truly hope you find it useful:

1. Silence makes you stronger and it helps you to think deeper about anything you are facing in a serene, energizing way. Sometimes you are able to decode the big problems and come up with easy solutions because your mind is clear as crystal after you practice silence.

2. Silence brings you closest to yourself. It brings you face to face with who you really are, what it is that you are running away from and where you want to be heading to. You see and experience the real Truth about yourself, as a person and as a soul, through silence. In a way, it can freak you out but it's worth it because you strengthen your mind with it. Best of all, it is free of cost and there are no side effects.

3. Silence brings you closer to those whom you love deeply. It strengthens your relationships. For instance, when meditating, I pray and send out loving, positive energy to the few close people whom I love. As I pray for them, I can visualize them and send them my loving thoughts that reach them as energy. But when I do this, I feel closer to them and my love multiplies and strengthens itself to continue this as a beautiful sacred affirmation.

4.  Silence can be exciting because it makes you rethink about your priorities in life and can toss out some predictable outcomes that make life seem boring or mundane for you. In fact, silence nudges you out of your comfort zone altogether.


Do you have a specific spiritual practice that works for you? I would love to hear about it. Please write in!
♥♥  I thank you with all my heart for reading my post. I dedicate this post with love and gratitude to all those who are finding their own ways to enjoy solitude. REQUEST: Please SHARE this article on your favorite social networks. Every share, like or tweet makes me reach out to more people who are in various phases of finding their own happiness in life. I am grateful and I appreciate you for doing so. ♥♥
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Comments

Asha said…
Beautiful post, Swapna. I wish you write more about your experiences. I want to write about mine too, will do soon.

Just in case, you are interested. There are various books on Ramana maharshi about practicing silence. he replied in silence to many of his devotees on self-realization.


January 23, 2014 at 2:04 PM
Vishnu said…
I like your second point most, Swapna - silence brings you closest to yourself. I think it's not only silence but a combination of silence and mindfulness. our mind is usually in constant chatter. As long as we are talking away to others, we're not able to notice our fast moving minds.

But in dead silence, we can watch our minds and our thoughts. And it allows us to experience real truth, as you say. Low cost, no side effects, living our essence and being stronger in life are some great lessons to want to practice more silence in our lives.

I think it was Gandhi who practiced one day of silence each week - isn't that a wonderful idea? Daily practices of silence also works.
January 23, 2014 at 4:51 PM
Ajith said…
having read Gandhiji's autobiography long ago,i used to wonder why he stressed so much on his silence vow......now it seems to make sense after reading this post....interesting post...Also interesting to see the shift of topics across your blog posts..
January 24, 2014 at 12:33 PM
harimohan said…
true ,shud try it out ,bit difficult for me
did u see thousand words ....movie if not please do
January 26, 2014 at 10:52 PM
Swapna Raghu Sanand said…
Dear Asha,

So glad to hear that you are planning to write your thoughts based on your spiritual experiences too. Looking forward to reading it.

I am interested. Can you name one or two such books on Ramana Maharshi? I'd be happy to read it.
January 31, 2014 at 12:40 AM
Swapna Raghu Sanand said…
@Harimohan - Thanks Hari uncle. Sanand mentioned your comment too. We haven't been able to watch it yet. Will do soon especially as you have recommended it so highly.
January 31, 2014 at 12:41 AM
Swapna Raghu Sanand said…
@Ajith - Always happy to read your positive and encouraging comments. Glad that you mentioned Gandhiji's biography because long back when I read it, I felt the same too and didn't fully grasp the significance of it. Now I do, especially as you have drawn my attention to it. Keep visiting and sharing your thoughts here.
January 31, 2014 at 12:42 AM
Swapna Raghu Sanand said…
Dear Vishnu,

Delighted as always to read your thoughts on the second point. You are right - this combination of silence and mindfulness allows us to experience the real truth about ourselves.

I also liked your reference to Gandhiji. Though I have read his autobiography when I was in my teens, I missed paying attention to these finer details that make it a truly gem of a book and a reference point for people spanning all walks of life.

Personally I feel that daily practice of silence makes a big difference even if it is just for a few minutes. It can totally recharge our energy at any point of time.
January 31, 2014 at 12:46 AM
karthi said…
Swapna chichi,
very useful post for a talkative person like me and as one of your friend commented about mind being in constant chatter. I'm inspired to give it a try..i do hope the laziness in me doesn't overtake and procrastinate.
January 31, 2014 at 4:49 PM
Asha said…
@Swapna - Ramana maharshi's book who am I is very useful for people in search of self enquiry and there are other books too, you can choose if you wish at Ramana kendra at delhi.Sri Ramana Kendra – New Delhi. +91-11-24626997
February 1, 2014 at 10:24 PM
Anonymous said…
"THE STATE OF GRACE IS THE SPEECH THAT RISES IN THE HEART OF SILENCE.." RAMANA MAHARISHI
April 24, 2015 at 12:19 PM
Anonymous said…
This works for me.
Say out loud, Be still and know that I Am ( 6 times)
Say subvocally, Be still and know that I Am (12 times)
Emphasise the words still, know, I Am.
Then watch your breathe and listen for ringing in the ears.

( also good to do if you can't sleep.) In love and light.

February 23, 2016 at 2:42 AM
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