Speech is Silver – Silence is Golden’.

Speech is Silver – Silence is Golden’.

Speech is silver. True, many a spoken word has shaped humanity. Words of wisdom, words of kindness, words of love – our lives have been shaped by these words. They show us the way, soothe us in pain. Yet words have the habit of being the two edged sword too. Harsh words spoken can never be taken back. Speech with negative intent, especially when it is high pitched can be a source of irritation, even when it is meant in a corrective way.

Consider the opposite. When a negative incident occurs, rather than respond to it immediately, it may be a great idea to observe a few minutes of silence. This actually helps you get the correct perspective of the situation. Negativity voiced, grows, silenced can be turned milder. It also makes what we say later, a more considered version

Spoken words should be of a pleasant and appreciating nature. After all, words are reflection of the inner self. This requires you to learn taking control over your word.  Learning to control your speech should begin at home and at a young age. As humans, we are bound to make mistakes. When members of our community and family make mistakes or do something we do not approve of, we do have the right to correct them; but that should be done with due reflection and consideration. When words cross the line of self-respect, they worsen the situation. In order to save oneself from the repulsive effects of unscrupulous use of words, it is better to learn to exercise control over what one says. And the best known method is the observation of minutes of silence.

Saints and seekers have long since periodically practised the vow of silence. This exercise actually helps them master the use of their speech. Hence it is said, ‘Silence is Golden’. Lots of energy, that can be productively utilised is wasted in unnecessary speech. People especially younger ones need to be careful observers of the effect of their words. They should get attuned to the energy of the words and respond to their surroundings. It is advised by most eminent psychologists that one should at least spend one waking hour of a day in silence.

Most of our thinking and reflection occurs when we are silent. Speech takes energy and time. It takes emotional commitment. On the contrary, silence can be the smoothening element that helps cool down a heated occasion, ease a strained situation and give new insights into things.

A group of friends or a couple in love. Sitting in silence and in consonance with nature and the surroundings, are in reality communicating among themselves in words that need no speech. They speak a language of silence that needs no spoken word. This form of deep communication is perhaps the deepest form of interaction.

Silence is indeed Golden