QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"Well timed silence hath more eloquence than speech."
--Martin Farquhar Tupper (1810-1889) English writer
PERSONAL REFLECTIONS
We are a talking lot. We feel we must always verbalize or at least try to verbalize our thoughts. We compete with each other in the boxing ring of tongues. We have all experienced a conversation where the game becomes who can out talk the other--never mind what we are saying. In racing to put together our next sentence, we allow only enough of the other's words to give us time to think of what we are going to say next and then . . . look out here we come! This then allows the other person to do the same. So what was said? What ideas were conveyed? What true help was given? What learning took place? Not much!
Silence is the portal through which understanding takes place. When we give our attention to the other person, when we truly listen, we then gain an understanding of the other person's ideas and position. This helps us to seek a commonality in our conversation that then opens the doors of learning. In the halls of silence we find the opening of our hearts and minds to ideas, without the ego attachments of our singular thoughts. Sometimes silence is the greatest gift we can give another as well as ourselves.
In your next conversation with someone, pause . . . and listen to what is said before putting your words together. The mere act of listening may eliminate the need for many words on your part. The other person may find the answer in the reflection of your silence, and you may also find a deeper understanding of yourself. Embrace silence. It brings understanding, peace, calmness and true learning.
Blessings and Love,
Allen Schmeltz
Copyright © 1999 Allen F. Schmeltz. All rights reserved.
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