When I was a child, I can remember others using the “silent treatment” as a way to punish someone when they were mad at them. It was an infuriating punishment that really didn’t accomplish anything……but then again, we were children. I always thought it was difficult for me to deliver that since I really had a hard time shutting my mouth. In fact, challenge me to the quiet game, and I would lose. The foundation of it does have some relevance, but not to be used as punishment, but as a acknowledgement that not everything needs a response, explanation, etc. There is more power in saying nothing.
Of course, the older I get, that concept seems to be easier. I always felt I had to explain myself when in reality, I really only offered explanations to make others comfortable. It was a survival skill of making sure everyone else was okay with what I was doing. Words are fine. Used eloquently, words can smooth a rough surface or provide a segway for understanding of someone else’s viewpoint, but many times words can create an obstacle especially when fueled with a passionate argument.
Today, I can use silence to speak for me. I can create a serene foundation simply by not participating in situations that trigger me. It allows me to accept people for where they are and to acknowledge that not everything needs a response. I have spent too many years showering others with words, when the reality was silence would have been a louder message. Not every situation warrants semantics and I am grateful that awareness is front and center in my life.
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