Talking is Silver…
In both my coaching and therapeutic work, communication is a regular topic. Recently, silence and the discomfort that it brings for many people has featured in several conversations prompting me to share some thoughts and my favourite poem below.
The struggle with silence is a profound and often lonely experience for many. Whether it’s dealing with societal expectations or the fear of being vulnerable, the pressure to maintain a facade of strength and positivity can lead to a silent battle with anxiety and depression.
In my experience there is increasing recognition of the power of silence and vulnerability, allowing for introspection, creativity, and the reshaping of personal narratives. However, the fear of silence and the need to constantly fill it with intentional sounds is often an unsettling reality in our social media driven constant-posting world.
Silence is multifaceted. It encompasses not only the absence of sound but also the unspoken words, non-verbal communication, and the power dynamics associated with it. While silence can be empowering in certain contexts, such as allowing space for others to speak, it can also perpetuate suffering and injustice when used to suppress voices and maintain the status quo.
Embracing silence as a creative choice and a source of strength requires a shift in perspective, particularly in leadership roles, where active listening and vulnerability can lead to transformative outcomes for individuals and the organisation. The same principle applies for personal and romantic relationships.
On Talking by Kahlil Gibran
You talk when you cease to be at peace with your thoughts;
And when you can no longer dwell in the solitude of your heart you live in your lips, and sound is a diversion and a pastime;
And in much of your talking, thinking is half murdered.
For thought is a bird of space, that in a cage of words may indeed unfold its wings but cannot fly.
There are those among you who seek the talkative through fear of being alone.
The silence of aloneness reveals to their eyes their naked selves and they would escape.
And there are those who talk, and without knowledge or forethought reveal a truth which they themselves do not understand;
And there are those who have the truth within them, but they tell it not in words.
In the bosom of such as these the spirit dwells in rhythmic silence.
When you meet your friend on the roadside or in the market place, let the spirit in you move your lips and direct your tongue.
Let the voice within your voice speak to the ear or his ear;
For his soul will keep the truth of your heart as the taste of the wine is remembered
When the colour is forgotten and the vessel is no more.
Many people struggle with silence. Empower your journey toward success in personal and professional relationships by talking with me about your relationship with silence to build stronger connections, foster collaboration, and confidently navigate the diverse landscapes of communication. Remember, your words shape the world around you, and effective communication is the key to unlocking your full potential.
By taking action, you create a workplace culture and personal relationships that value and prioritise the mental and physical health of individuals leading to improved communication, enhanced collaboration, and greater overall well-being for everyone involved.
