Using Silence Wisely

This month’s quiet topic has reminded me of how powerful silence can be when it is used wisely. Consider these scenarios:

• You are visiting a friend who is seriously ill. All that has needed saying has been said. You sit together, quietly, being present without being intrusive.
  
  
• You are very, very angry with someone close to you. You sense the next thing you are about to say could be extremely hurtful. You choose to say nothing.
  
  
• Someone cuts you off in traffic. You slam on your brakes and open your window, getting ready to say how you really feel about their driving. You decide it’s best to close your window and say nothing.
  
  
• You are in an intense discussion with your teenager. For every argument you make, your child comes up with three. You stop competing and just listen to what he or she has to say.

This week, focus on how wisely you can say nothing at all. Notice what you have learned.

Share what you observe below.

Take good care,

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