Silence

Silence... There was a song by Simon and Garfunkle called, “The sounds of silence.” I often wonder if anybody truly understood the truth in that simple statement of song. Silence allows so many different interpretations, leading to many different appreciations of its meanings. Silence, the lack of sound in this case, can sometimes be a blessing and sometimes a hindrance. Those who have never heard would love to hear, and those who hear too much, would love to not hear any more. Silence can be both a blessing and a curse. I prefer the blessing of the sounds of silence. There is a silence from the everyday occurrences, which follow us, but is lost in nature. We hear silence with the removal of every day noise, but once we notice it, we notice it is not a true silence. I cherish the silence of stillness. The silence of being in the woods, as well as the silence of rainfall in the forest It is not true silence I know, but in that hushed stillness, the patter of rain falling upon leaves, upon the ground, an enveloping silence all its own ensues. The creaking of trees as a gentle wind moves them slightly, or Maybe the creaking of insects or frogs as the night or day progresses. Perhaps this silence is that which comes from the mountaintop, where the wind moves the trees to music of their own. The whispering pines playing a melody heard only in the background of silence, just out of clear hearing, leaving one to wonder if it is imagined, or real. There is the silence of ones mind. The clutter of humanity can invade your thoughts from making decisions of everyday life. We are bombarded with noise as we go through a day filled with decisions, cluttering the mind with the noise of our thoughts, the noise of the suggestions of others. It is times like this i cherish the silence of resting my mind with no thoughts but those of my desire. Whether i am in a crowd, or alone in a room, as long as I can let my mind wonder of its own accord, blocking out the requests for attention others may demand. I can follow the whim of a hidden trail in my imaginings as i wonder and wander these trails. Silence can be comforting and comfortable. The silence of friends sharing time together, whether fishing or riding together can be that comfort. Their presence is enough to say all of which needs to be said if anything. The silence shared between two who feel no need for words. The silence of need, desire and passion, when only a look needs to say all for that silence of a moment can be enough to speak volumes. When two eyes meet and thoughts are shared which words cannot adequately say? Silence can then speak louder than voices and more passionate than words. Silence, whether heard, or seen or imagined. It can bring healing to the mind and to the body with its comforting presence. The silence at the end of the day, as all lay asleep, leaving you alone with your thoughts. The time to recover, relax and rebuild those reserves of energy we need to carry on. Silence, its very name can bring peace and calm. We must learn to recognize it and enjoy its gifts when offered. I cherish my silent times.