There is a certain magic that happens when we listen to ourselves or to what another is saying or not saying. Silence allows the penny to drop and the impact to be felt. In fact, silence speaks volumes if we just take a moment to listen!

It is certainly an art to know when to speak and when to let silence prevail. There is a quote by Mark Twain: ‘It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool, than to open it and remove all doubt.’ Silence is indeed a language, a pathway that a spiritual mind must walk along to truly discover the self. You will discover more things through silence than through useless self-talk.

Yet at the same time, our ability to communicate is crucial for our survival and development. In some parts of the world people learn to speak several languages out of a passion to connect. Our ability to speak (the art of creating meaningful sounds!) is a wonderful expression of our freedom and letting those around us know how much we care or what we are feeling.

For novices entering ‘the silent path’, the quiet can indeed feel uncomfortable, but this phase will pass, as one realizes just how rewarding this space can be. There is no need to fill those ‘empty’ moments with chatter of one kind or another. Just remember – we were born out of silence and will return to silence again.

Silence is more than the absence of words. For a yogi, silence begins in the mind. Words are weighed carefully, for they are energy that cannot be ‘taken back’ once released. A truly silent mind is felt as positive energy and we are often drawn to such (silent) souls as they touch our core. Those who force silence upon themselves or others also release an energy, which is not necessarily positive and we are mostly repelled by it.

In order to concentrate, a silent mind is a pre-requisite. Do not confuse this with a blank mind. A silent mind will be fully in control and fully content; no restless desires tugging at the soul. No waste thoughts about the past or the future; absolutely present in the moment.

Rediscovering silence is about learning to be at peace within, trusting in your-self, living in your self-respect and having firm faith in The Silent One. The Supreme is forever quiet; He/She has no need to prove or justify anything through words… just allows the drama to unfold.

It’s time… to enjoy the silence and allow it to still the mind – we were born out of silence and will return to silence. The yogi communicates with few thoughts and even fewer words; learning first to listen without judgement. Connect with The Silent One and learn God’s language! And for these souls, silence is indeed golden.