This weekend I learned about noble silence.
And it isn’t just about being quiet.
To practise noble silence all you need to do is:
- if you are talking, just talk
- if you are walking, just walk
- if you’re doing something else, just do that
It’s a practise of presence and focus.
I learned about this idea in the book “Silence: The Power of Quiet in a World Full of Noise” by Thich Nhat Hahn.
I was on a one day silent retreat and after lunch just before having a nap I read a few pages and learned that the more we practise noble silence the more likely we become “free to hear the deepest call of our hearts.”
As a founder who seeks for fulfilment as much as financial success this really resonated.
I can only find fulfilment if I learn what my heart is calling me to do.
And I can only hear that if I create more silence in my life:
- when I wash the dishes I need to just wash the dishes (no podcasts)
- when I listen to podcasts I should just listen to podcasts, no dish washing
- when I write a LinkedIn post, just write, no scrolling
Creating more opportunities for silence is helping me hone in on what I need rather than getting distracted by what I should do.
I’m a complete novice.
But I’m looking to practise more intentionally.
As I’m feeling the benefits.
What’s your relationship to silence?