This is great! I was just thinking about this yesterday. There’s lots of noise and chatter on Substack. Sometimes it feels like people are vying to have their voices heard. That feels like the obvious impetus for being on Substack in the first place! I’ve been experimenting with quiet. 🤫 I realize that I don’t always need to speak in order to be heard. There’s paradox in silence. I think there’s an overvaluation of those who speak their minds. But, what about those who choose to listen. There never seems to be a complaint about too many people intently and consciously listening to one another in a room.
I like what you said here: “Silence is one of the most powerful tools in relationships. When we stop trying to fill the space with our words, we allow others to share more of themselves, fostering deeper connections and mutual understanding. It also shows respect and value for what the other person says.”
Yea. Most people don’t feel heard. They’re often desperate for someone to listen. I’ve found most people are quite appreciative (and sometimes astonished!) when you actually remain present with them — even if it’s only a few minutes, sometimes that enough to make their day.
I find the more quiet I become, the more I feel like myself. I feel a sense of comfort I don’t have to do anything or know anything. I can just be.
Anna, wow, you hit the nail on it’s proverbial head. Yes, I also experience lots of noise on Substack but never thought of it that was. Thanks for that great observation.
This is great! I was just thinking about this yesterday. There’s lots of noise and chatter on Substack. Sometimes it feels like people are vying to have their voices heard. That feels like the obvious impetus for being on Substack in the first place! I’ve been experimenting with quiet. 🤫 I realize that I don’t always need to speak in order to be heard. There’s paradox in silence. I think there’s an overvaluation of those who speak their minds. But, what about those who choose to listen. There never seems to be a complaint about too many people intently and consciously listening to one another in a room.
I like what you said here: “Silence is one of the most powerful tools in relationships. When we stop trying to fill the space with our words, we allow others to share more of themselves, fostering deeper connections and mutual understanding. It also shows respect and value for what the other person says.”
Yea. Most people don’t feel heard. They’re often desperate for someone to listen. I’ve found most people are quite appreciative (and sometimes astonished!) when you actually remain present with them — even if it’s only a few minutes, sometimes that enough to make their day.
I find the more quiet I become, the more I feel like myself. I feel a sense of comfort I don’t have to do anything or know anything. I can just be.
Anna, wow, you hit the nail on it’s proverbial head. Yes, I also experience lots of noise on Substack but never thought of it that was. Thanks for that great observation.
Hello darkness my old friend……..
I'm smiling: one of my favorite songs.
Ditto. “The words of the prophets are written on the subway walls, tenement halls”. A brilliant line!