This discussion with myself has been so profound. So profound in fact that it inspired my first real solo episode on And All the Things! You can listen to it here!
In a recent episode of my podcast, “And all the Things,” I have the privilege of interviewing Corey Hennings (#38), the host of the Sober By Design podcast. Our conversation wove deep into his journey of addiction and recovery, unraveling layers of insight and understanding. Little did I know that amidst our discussion, a profound realization would emerge—a realization that would ignite a journey of introspection and exploration.
As Corey and I explored the complexities of addiction, I found myself confronting a revelation of my own: I am addicted to Audible and podcasts. In the midst of my endless stream of audio content, I have unwittingly surrendered to the temptation of constant stimulation, drowning out the subtle (and not so subtle) whispers of my own thoughts and emotions. It was a moment of startling clarity—a recognition that amidst the noise, I have carelessly sacrificed the invaluable gift of silence.
It became clear to me that I have been contemplating this ‘issue’ for some time when I looked back to a Sermon I wrote in September titled: “Let Every Voice but God’s be Still in Me.” (from A Course in Miracles). I speak of silence with reverie and trusting the voice within. I speak honestly and with conviction. And then I probably put on my ear buds and listened to a book as I managed my day. As I reflect on this, I have to laugh at my lack of self-awareness and marvel at my ability to start the process unknowingly.
Since I have researched and understood silence for the sermon, I began to explore the word addiction. It is a dependency. A compulsion. A distraction.
And more often than not a harmful one. In talking with Corey I learned, it is something we attach to externally in order to fulfill something internally and that addiction is a complex experience unique to everyone. And this hit home. Yes, we know this is true, but when we look at the many ways we try to fill our cups (with substances, spending, sex, doom scrolling, and oh so much more), we find we need to look further.
In preparation for the podcast and as a practice of regular self-reflection, I started thinking about what I am addicted to—what I am dependent on, what I am compulsive about, what I allow to distract me from myself? I felt good that I am much closer and healthier in my relationships with food, alcohol, sleep, health, and more, but I left my relationship with silence in the shadows. As I talked with Corey, it became clear that I was externally filling myself to avoid dancing with my own thoughts.
Now, does my relationship with silence (or lack thereof) compare with other harmful relationships? No…at least not at first glance.
Can it physically harm me or someone else? No.
Can I become distracted and detached? Yes.
Can I become dependent on the stimulus? Yes.
Can I turn down my creativity and curiosity? Yes. And I did.
THIS, my friends, is tragic.
I hear you saying, “seriously”? Comparing the relationship to audio content to addiction? Is that really tragic?
The answer is yes – I am. And yes – it is. When we silence the voice within, we are silencing our divine within – our God within. This silencing of my own voice (the one that plays relentlessly and curiously in my mind) is a tragedy. Whatever we believe spiritually, there is magic in each one of us, and that unique voice should not be silenced. When we silence the voice within, we suffer and the world suffers with us.
It was in this moment of acknowledgment that my curiosity was sparked—the curiosity to explore the true value and power of silence. Because even though I lean into the Woo-Woo, I also like my proof!
In our rapidly moving and rather noisy culture, silence has become a rare and precious commodity—a sanctuary amidst the cacophony, a refuge for the soul. Mystics of yester-year understood this intrinsic need for stillness, retreating to the hills and forests in search of answers in the silence. In the tranquil depths of quiet contemplation, they discovered renewal, clarity, and communion with the divine.
In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, the power of pause is often overlooked, yet it is essential for our well-being, much like the restorative power of sleep. Just as still waters run deep, it is in the serenity of silence that we unearth profound insights and awaken to the truth that lies beneath the surface.
Across diverse spiritual traditions, the importance of silence is echoed—a universal reminder of its transformative potential. Looking to Christianity to Buddhism to Judaism and beyond, we encounter the profound truth that direct language fails to capture the essence of the divine. Instead, it is through the gentle embrace of silence and mindful observation that we catch glimpses of God’s presence reflected in the world around us. Prophets, saints, and sages throughout history have sought solace in solitude, recognizing that amidst the silence, clarity emerges as the Divine within.
So there’s the Woo-Woo part, but we don’t stop with the religious or philosophical understanding, we can also look to the revelations of neuroscience which confirm the restorative power of silence, offering a confirmation for our weary minds and frayed nerves.
Here’s what I learned:
At its core, silence is not just a passive state but an active force that shapes our brains and cognition. Research in neuroscience reveals that moments of silence trigger a plethora of neurological responses. In the quietude, our brains engage in introspection, self-awareness, and emotional regulation. Functional MRI studies demonstrate increased activity in regions associated with deep thinking and creativity when the mind is allowed to wander in silence.
In a world saturated with stimuli, silence offers a sanctuary for mental health. Chronic exposure to noise has been linked to heightened stress levels, anxiety, and depression. Conversely, moments of silence provide respite from the relentless assault on our senses, allowing the mind to unwind and recalibrate. Even brief periods of silence have been shown to reduce blood pressure, heart rate, and cortisol levels—markers of the body’s stress response.
In silence, creativity flourishes. When the mind is unburdened by external distractions, it is free to explore new realms of thought and imagination. Studies have shown that silence enhances problem-solving abilities, promotes divergent thinking, and fosters innovation. From artists to scientists, many luminaries attribute their breakthroughs to moments of profound silence, where ideas crystallize and inspiration takes flight.
Silence is not only a balm for the brain but also a catalyst for physical healing. In the absence of noise, the body enters a state of deep relaxation conducive to restorative sleep and rejuvenation. Regular exposure to silence has been associated with improved immune function, reduced inflammation, and enhanced recovery from physical and mental fatigue. In a world plagued by the epidemic of chronic stress, silence emerges as a potent antidote—a tonic for the body, mind, and spirit.
In a culture that glorifies busyness and noise, embracing silence may seem counterintuitive. Yet, the path to true well-being often lies in the spaces between the noise—the moments of quiet contemplation and introspection that nourish the soul and allow us to make clear, confident choices. Whether through mindfulness practices, meditation, or simply seeking out pockets of tranquility in our daily lives, cultivating silence is a transformative act of self-care.
In the sacred space between stimulus and response lies the power of the pause—a moment of reflection, a pathway to clarity. As we navigate the complexities of life, let us embrace the transformative potential of silence, inviting it to infuse our being with peace and purpose.
I invite you to consider the profound wisdom found in the simple act of pausing, of allowing every voice but God’s to be still within us. As we cultivate this practice of intentional silence, may we awaken to the richness of inner peace and the boundless possibilities that unfold when we listen deeply to the whispers of our soul. Can you hear yours?
If you are ready to find the divine voice within you, you are right on time. I specialize in supporting female leaders who feel adrift, as if they’ve lost control of steering their lives toward the purpose they were destined for. On the surface, they appear to have it all together, yet inside, they are silently and violently falling apart.
They linger in the shadows of their existence, longing for the spotlight on their personal center stage. Wrestling with the cacophony of external pressures, they struggle to hear their own divine voice, resulting in dwindling self-worth, exhaustion, detachment, and silent suffering. Together, we embark on a journey to reshape their perspective, establish empowered boundaries, and cast them as the protagonists of their lives, regardless of the act or scene.
This is an invitation to be seen and to be heard but first to gain clarity through slowing down, quieting down, and raising our hearts up.
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Here are your takeaways:
- Silence is Transformative: Silence isn’t just the absence of noise; it’s a powerful force that shapes our brains and well-being. Embracing moments of silence can lead to increased creativity, mental clarity, and emotional balance.
- Silence Promotes Healing: Regular exposure to silence has been associated with improved immune function, reduced stress levels, and enhanced physical and mental recovery. Cultivating a practice of silence can be a powerful tool for overall health and well-being.
- Silence Nourishes Creativity: In the quietude of silence, our minds are free to explore new realms of thought and imagination. Many luminaries attribute their breakthroughs to moments of profound silence, where ideas crystallize and inspiration takes flight.
- Silence is a Path to Inner Peace: Amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life, embracing silence offers a sanctuary for the soul. By slowing down, quieting the mind, and listening deeply to our inner voice, we can discover a profound sense of peace and purpose within ourselves.