Because It Matters

No words, no sound. A complete absence of noise. A space to listen where our minds become quiet. When we truly listen without distractions, silence aids in introspection and self-awareness. It encourages our minds and bodies to rest. It provides a space for our sacred center, our inner sanctuary. Silence gives us the opportunity to reflect on our own and another person’s experiences, thoughts, and feelings. Silence seems to last longer in the winter, especially during a snowstorm and on those icy, very cold mornings before dawn. Deep silence impacts us, draws us in. Nature provides a landscape of silence to retreat to and reflect upon.

Where have we found the need for silence in our lives? When has silence aided you in not speaking and acting upon your impulses and desires? Has silence ever been a warning, a call to action, or had the element of surprise? How do we practice silence? Can you name some techniques and tools that you have experienced? What does silence mean to you? How has it been expressed in your life?

Missy
Silence is my bread and butter, a trustworthy companion, and my favorite daily pursuit. I rise early in the morning to catch it before my family starts to chirp. I seek it throughout the day and wallow in it when it lasts. Silence and solitude are where I find my power. I love the silencing peace of a heavy snow in the woods in the middle of the night. There is such grace in the absence of noise.

Connie
In today’s world, noise pollution is ubiquitous, especially in cities and even small towns such as Taos, causing overstimulation and unnecessary anxiety. One way to alleviate these negative effects is through meditation or silencing the mind. Another way is by immersing oneself in silence—taking a trip to the mesa or hiking in the wilderness, where it is possible to experience the “sounds of silence,” thus nourishing one’s soul. Please consider incorporating meditation and immersion in silence into your routine for optimum health.

Neal
Silence is called Mauna in the Vedic sciences. It symbolizes introspection and spiritual discipline. It is a practice of not speaking. Mauna is a Sanskrit word meaning silence. It is traditionally practiced on the no-moon day of the Magha month, a Hindu tradition observing silence on that day. People who practice mauna are called Muni and treated with great respect. I have done one 10-day retreat and another partial 10-day silent retreat online. I practice it daily as a spiritual discipline—it allows us to gain self-knowledge. I was taught to practice silence by not speaking, avoiding media, and limiting engagements with others beyond silent necessity. The focus is on meditation, mantras, and recognizing the higher power in oneself as Atman, or the divine self.

Sylvia
I actually had a powerful silent experience. On January 20, 2025, our town came together in solidarity in support of our local workforce, who are mostly Latino and work on the surrounding ranches where we all live. We silently marched from our local store to the wetlands. Everybody honored the silent march. It was so powerful—walking together without talking, marching with local community members to support a common cause and purpose. The power of silence in a group of people.

Meg
I am not always a fan of silence. I actually like noise in the background—the radio playing, chatting on the phone, having the TV on. But I am starting to appreciate silence more. My son Daniel went to Quaker Friends School from 9th to 12th grade. They began their morning meeting with silence. The first couple of times I experienced it as an adult parent, I was really uncomfortable. However, I subsequently learned how grounding it was for Daniel and the rest of the student body and faculty.

Andy
Silence is the ultimate healer for me, whether I am inside or outside. I have always loved quiet—no TV, no sound. It’s the simplicity, no distractions, nothing. I practice turning off things. It makes me more aware of my surroundings. In the winter, the silence is more dramatic—bare, raw silence. I look at the trees with no leaves, listen to the birds, watch my footprints. I don’t really need to practice silence unless it’s a charged situation. My tool is tapping. You can do that anywhere.

Frances
I took a course where the homework was to commit to sitting for 15 minutes every morning for a month. You had to purposely choose a spot in nature to sit. A change occurs—a transition—when wildlife calms down. When you first start sitting, wildlife is alarmed, but as you become quiet, nature starts to accept your presence. I do a morning meditation and yoga. I find that if I quiet my mind first thing in the day, the quietness has an impact on the rest of my day—like ripples in a pond, then the pond quiets down and becomes still.

Michelle
I get busy with projects around the house and playing music, but when I want to make a decision, I choose a silent space. I like to think for a while and feel about it. I sit down and slowly come to a conclusion. I seek silence to decide on areas in my life that cause concern. I like being outside in silence. I am a devoted bird watcher—no thought, quiet mind, observing in silence. I am a transcendentalist at heart. Transcendentalism was a movement in American literature and thought in the 19th century. They believed people are inherently good but corrupted by society.