What's the first thing you do when you're alone? For most people, it's either turn on the telly or turn on some music, even if it's just for "background noise". I'm guilty of it myself. And you know what? I'm beginning to miss my own company.

That's the difference between reading a book and listening to an audiobook or watching a movie. Space to think and actually reflect about what you're reading. Other media just keeps coming at you, keeps moving forward, whether you're ready for it or not.

I think spending time with your own thoughts is important for self development. But I've become addicted to constant input. At home the TV goes on, even though I'm not really watching it. In the car, audiobook on. Shopping, audiobook on. I fall asleep with the TV on. I get a little panicky if I find myself stuck without anything to occupy my attention. I think there's something wrong with that.

So this morning I experimented with driving to work in silence. It was nice. Turns out I'm not such bad company after all. The silence gave me space to think about the day ahead of me and it really helped me to start the day with a focus that stayed with me all day. Think I might need to make this a habit.

Cheers!
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Tags: reflection, silence

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Comment by Andy on October 4, 2009 at 4:10pm: As an only child I grew up being uused to my own company. This meant lots of silence. Even now I find I need "quiet time" in fact, too much noise makes my head spin.

Silence is important to me for gathering my thoughts and helping me cope with the big, bad world of work and life.

Comment by Don Browne on October 3, 2009 at 12:19pm: Yes, silence can be golden. I've lately been scouting out locations outdoors to see what the quietest areas in my county are. With a sound level meter I've found many places as quiet as a person whispering which is about 30 dBa. 60 dBa is the level of speaking. So anything well below that is indeed very refreshing. My 'quiet' webpage can be found by searching for 'rural hendry quietest places'

Comment by NeferSif on October 3, 2009 at 7:04am: I find time to meditate at least an hour everyday. Its very peaceful and relaxing, and I find that it clears my mind of all the daily muck. Also i read a book, for about an hour before bed. This is also relaxing and makes falling asleep pleasant and easy.

Comment by ginjasam on October 3, 2009 at 6:45am: I think silence is the key to realisation, this world needs to create space for a little bit of silence. That would be nice!

Comment by Gary Bing on October 3, 2009 at 12:20am: The power of silence can be really deafening. When your with a real jerk sometimes saying nothing says a lot The ears can hear but listening requires the use of your brain. Some people haven' t a clue on that concept and you need to silently move on. I haven't watched the video, I just dealt with common sense, so therefore I might just be the jerk in question. I might eventually see the video but I will have to arrange a time to pencil it in. These videos on the internet can be real time wasters.

Comment by Dean on October 2, 2009 at 6:46pm: I didn't think I would watch that whole video. I did and surprisingly enjoyed it.

Comment by David King on October 2, 2009 at 10:06am: silence really is powerful, good post! :)

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