The Tao of Silence

“He who does not understand your silence will probably not understand your words.” – Elbert Hubbard

Lately I have been noticing how much drama I hold and apply to things and events around me. How easily my conditioned personality gets offended and finds a need to add it’s two cents into the mix. Someone says something contrary to my poor ego and I jump in defending it. Why? Why do I feel I need to present my opinion or reinforce an attitude to prove I may be right and someone may be wrong?

I find great value in the question, “Is it worth it?” Is it worth expressing an opinion? Or showing an attitude? Is being right in some opinionated, extracted, belief based, conversation worth anything? Do I ever change anyone’s heart by expressing my position? I doubt it. Actually I could say no. They may momentarily capitulate to my presentation but will stand by whatever they believe in anyway.

It’s difficult to change the hearts position if I or someone else has an embedded conditioned belief. I must admit that the last several years watching the political tales and the rise of Covid have been amazingly educational. And frightening then it comes to how we will hold a belief even unto death.

Silence does speak. Silence is also a position to take when involved in relationship. Allowing those opinions, attitudes, and sometimes clever insults to fade or wash over us.

Practicing silence and forbearance comes with the reward of having a calm heart, one that turns towards the things in life that have meaning and encourage balance, like people we love, family, building new family, engaging with our animal friends, and allowing ourselves to embrace nature.

Take good care of you today,

Bryan Wagner