It took me a long time to develop an understanding of the purpose of silence. Actually there are several, but one must overcome themselves & the sound of their need in order to practice this much needed skill.
I have had the privilege of sitting in rooms with great though leaders, visionaries, and ordinary people. What I’ve noticed is that the best skill I’ve seen any of these great leaders exhibit is “silence”. Jim Rohn taught the importance of listening actively while everyone else in the meeting shared first. This actually is quite a spectacular skill. Why? Because it’s not one many have mastered.
A large part of the population that I’ve encountered is uncomfortable with silence. In fact, that used to be me too! However I’ve learned that when I don’t have to be first in a conversation, I’m more apt to have a more comprehensive perspective of what’s really happening. Most folks can’t sit silently with someone else for more than a few minutes. In fact, many have a difficult time to be by themselves.
Here’s a thought- what if we practiced silence as a way to show honor? Not just for ourselves but for those who are grieving- for those who are tied from working all day- or those who has wronged you?
Why Do we have such a need for validation and being heard? Honestly I can’t tell you, but what I can tell you is that there’s so much more to silence than just “being quiet”.
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