Article by Phoenix writer Isabel Connolly ’23:
As the famous riddle goes, “Say its name and it disappears.”
Silence.
It often seems there is nowhere in this modern world to be quiet.
Hollywood constantly bombards us with bright shiny images 24/7, a never-ending party. Every other movie is explosions and flamboyance. When the film credits roll, the hero has been transformed from a shy, awkward outcast to unique extroverted go-getter.
Then the social media world expects everyone to share everything. Within this lens, it would seem silence would only isolate.
And we certainly do not see many examples of quiet leaders in today’s society. In fact, it seems we choose our leaders based on who can unleash their diatribe loudest, something I find disconcerting.
So where do the quiet ones fit in? In a culture where shock and awe pervades, where does silence take its place?
I have always been more of a quiet person. I like to do my work and spend time with the people I care about. I do not concern myself with being loud and “out there.” I have certainly faced some scrutiny for being “shy.” Somehow, there is a taboo of sorts attached to the quiet lives some of us lead.
But there is hope for us. Throughout history there have been those who devote themselves to a life of silence. Several monks in various religious traditions have taken vows of silence. These religions recognize that there is an opportunity for self-growth and inward searching without distractions. Buddha once said, “Silence is an empty space. Space is the home of the awakened mind.”
Besides those who devote their lives to silence, other religious will hold silent retreats for its members and for the community as a whole.
Kellenberg’s own Brother Peter Sennert, S.M., took a thirty day period of silence in August to prepare for the profession of final vows in October. He visited with a Marianist community at the University of Dayton in Ohio.
Bro. Peter had known he would be participating in such a retreat as fellow brothers had done before. He took the time in silence to have time to himself and to talk with God with the help of spiritual director Brother Thomas Redmond, S.M.
Bro. Peter would often spend his time on walks and journaling, something he has carried with him following the retreat. He noted that his spiritual journaling has now taken on a new dynamic following the retreat.
While there were many positives to his time in silence, Bro. Peter did note some difficulties. He says, “One of my difficulties was learning to get into silence. It’s more than just being quiet. It’s the silence and listening to God.”
In the silence, Bro. Peter found that he was better able to listen and process his thoughts and feelings.
Someone else who discovered the power of silence was English teacher Mrs. Marconi. She participated in a silent weekend retreat at a Sag Harbor retreat house, Cor Maria or Heart of Mary.
In her experience, she discovered the freedom silence provides. Without distractions she had the freedom to sit before the water with a nice book, something that is difficult in her busy schedule as head of the guidance department. In the silence, there was the opportunity to live by her own schedule. If she wanted to go into town she could. If she wanted to go down to the beach she could. With no one else talking there was also no fear of being left out and feeling isolated as you might in your day-to-day life. Mrs. Marconi felt refreshed following the retreat and returned several times after.
Outside of the retreat Mrs. Marconi has taken some of the importance of silence into her classroom. She often takes time out of class to allow students to journal. She believes it is a rare opportunity for them to be alone with themselves. In the quiet moments there is the ability to find true clarity and gain perspective.
She says these retreats have definitely shifted her perception of silence. She now believes, “Silence is a gift and totally liberating.”
Many may not understand what can be earned from silence. However, even the more extroverted can admit there is a peace and clarity that comes when one is alone with their thoughts.
In silence many can focus and see things others may miss in their loudness and distraction, “‘mid the din of towns and cities,” as Wordsworth described. Even during the quiet of a test, a student can tune into all the small movements: the scratch of pencil on paper, the tapping of fingers on a desk, the wind whistling in the trees outside, the thumping of another student’s feet. In those moments one may find a new breakthrough for an upcoming paper or find some clarity about a situation with friends. Perhaps it could be as simple as allowing feeling more fully in the moment.
I believe I greatly benefit from these moments and according to recent scientific studies it appears I am not alone. Many psychologists have discovered the positive impact of silence by studying the negative impact of noise. According to Healthline, some of these health benefits include lower blood pressure, improved concentration, reduced cortisol, and stimulated brain growth.
In a busy, constantly moving world, it is imperative to find moments to be silent, to listen to the silence. Whether on a concentrated retreat or simply taking a few moments to journal at home, perhaps we could all use a little quiet.