How Now Silence

Because of the constant distractions of our cell phones and computers, etc., many people including psychologists, fear a loss of silent time and creativity.

Many researchers and thinkers find that our minds require silence and/or meditation in order to tune in to a higher voice, a center beyond the self that some associate with our God-like voice.

 (I believe periods of silence and meditation are essential for my mental and physical health and have observed many others discover this personal need.)

 I’m pleased when I remember a dream, even a negative one, because I am closer to the unconscious where creativity as well as conflicts reside. I have trained myself to allow and accept the “petty” thoughts that first rise to consciousness. These are part of the process, analogous to mining for gold.  The miner has to dig through dirt before reaching rich ore.

Some brilliant and accomplished people suppress  memories and daydreams, even the writer, Susan Sontag (author of Against Interpretation) who wouldn’t allow herself the freedom to daydream, out of a fear she’d be less intelligent (As Consciousness is Harnessed to Flesh, Journals and Notebooks, 1964-1980,  edited by her son, David Rieff).

 A young man fears that painful memories will surface in the course of his therapy.  On the other hand, he welcomes them as a way to help piece together the events of his upbringing that cause symptoms (anxiety and loss of appetite) and impinge on his family life today.

 As dreadful as these memories are, they free him. Understanding his painful past allows him to change his attitudes and actions in the present.

 Conclusion: We can have the advantages of both instant communication with the outside world as well as with our deeper thoughts and feelings if we’re aware of these diverse needs and apportion time for each.

Dear Reader, I welcome your comments. (jsimon145@gmail.com)