A World of Silence

A friend told me yesterday that I should write spiritual poetry. He feels the need to give me these insights although I never ask for them. I kept quiet. What he doesn’t know is that I have no interest in spiritual poetry at this time.  I am a practical person, being my mother’s daughter when I engage in something I want to see a tangible result.

I’ve been thinking about men and women a lot lately, not just romance but what love means, how most think it is attachment or ownership but it isn’t either. Today I won’t write about that instead I’m choosing another topic: Silence.

I was raised by a quiet mother who was often misunderstood.  I didn’t realize her real talents until the last years of her life when I really got to know and understand her. I felt honored that she trusted me with her private thoughts. I treasured that time and requested that she visit me in the afterlife.  

Because of her influence in my life, I have pondered and done research on what it means to be a quiet person.  We all know them; they appear to be reserved but actually possess some sort of hidden strength.

It’s time to shine a light on the unsung heroes of silence in a world that often celebrates the loudest voices.

So, what exactly does it mean to be a person who keeps to themselves? The common misconception is that shyness or introversion can accompany a quiet personality. There’s a great deal more to it than that.

Did you know that just because someone is quiet does not automatically imply that they are an introvert? Both introversion and extroversion are distinct characteristics of one’s personality. Even though introverts are more likely to get their energy from being alone, people on both ends of the introvert-extrovert spectrum can appreciate peace and quiet.

According to what I discovered, people who are generally more reserved tend to have superior cognitive processing abilities. Because there are fewer distractions from the outside world, they are better able to concentrate intently, think critically, and carry out in-depth analyses. They have something akin to a superpower that provides them with an advantage in certain arenas.

So what about modes of communication? There is no correlation between being quiet and having poor communication skills. In fact, the opposite is true. People who are more reserved often have stronger skills in active listening, empathy, and providing thoughtful responses. They employ a one-of-a-kind strategy to maximize the impact of each of their words.

That reminded me of my eldest nephew who was slow to speak.  As a toddler, I could see he was taking in information but he didn’t respond.  When he was ready and formed his first words we were shocked by his intellect.

There’s a significant connection between solitude and creativity or imagination. That didn’t surprise me. People who are quieter typically devote a greater portion of their time to introspection, allowing their thoughts to meander and engage in profound creative musings as a result. This is where their creative potential can really shine. The neural circuitry of the brain is penetrated deeply, making quietness more than just a surface-level characteristic.

Apparently, the pattern of brain activity in people who are quiet have a greater propensity for engaging in internal thought processes and reflective thinking at higher levels. Their heads are like vast galaxies, teeming with thoughts and ideas that are just waiting to be discovered and investigated.

Individuals who prefer to keep to themselves bring remarkable skills and contributions to a variety of fields. They are valuable assets due to the fact that they can pay careful attention to detail or are able to work independently and make thoughtful decisions. They frequently excel in creative endeavors and problem-solving, and provide a calming presence in chaotic situations. Their influence is profound, despite the fact that their effects are not always immediately apparent.

It was astounding to realize the enormous power and potential that reside within individuals like my mother who prefer to remain silent.

But it’s also essential to recognize the difficulties that may be experienced by people who are more reserved, such as a sense of being misunderstood or ignored. We can’t get away from judgment from others but we need to cultivate an atmosphere in which each person is accepted and valued for who they are.

The journey toward self-discovery and connection with others can benefit from the powerful ally that silence can be. If you know someone who chooses silence, respect and admire them, they are a rare gem in a world of noise and distraction.