Dear Friends,
I’ve always held silence close to my heart. It’s like that quiet friend there after a chaotic day, offering me a space to breathe, think, and just be. In the embrace of silence, I find my peace, my grounding—it’s where I’m genuinely myself, away from the world’s noise. But about ten years ago, something changed my view of silence in a way I hadn’t seen coming.
When I came across Van Der Kolk’s “The Body Keeps The Score,” a phrase struck me hard: “Silence equals death.” At first, this felt alien. How could silence be linked to something so dark? Diving deeper into the book, I found echoes of my unacknowledged battle with trauma and PTSD. It was a revelation.
For those of us wrestling with trauma, silence isn’t always the refuge it might be for someone seeking meditation or a quiet place. It’s more like an empty room, echoing with things we’d rather forget, a self-made barrier meant to protect us from more harm, imagined or real, but, paradoxically, also keeping us isolated.
The silence that wraps around PTSD is like nothing else. It’s not about craving a moment of peace; it’s about facing each day on your own, with anxiety as your shadow and panic attacks as your unwelcome guests, all without someone’s hand to squeeze for comfort. It’s a battle that goes deeper than just the mind or heart—it’s wired into every nerve, challenging your will and spirit in ways you never imagined.
This realization hit me deeply. Silence, for those healing from trauma, isn’t just about the absence of noise. It’s a constant presence, one that demands a tremendous effort to maintain as a barrier against pain, both their own and that of their loved ones. It’s a protective measure but also a source of isolation.
Understanding this has opened my eyes and heart in ways I didn’t expect. It’s deepened my empathy for those who find silence, not a choice but a condition of their struggle. It’s made me see that behind a quiet exterior, there could be an intense battle raging, a soul grappling with shadows.
This new insight into the duality of silence encourages me to be more attentive, to reach out and offer my presence as a bridge over the isolating quiet. It’s taught me that sometimes, breaking the silence doesn’t mean filling it with words but showing someone they’re not alone. We can help turn those silent screams into whispers of hope and healing by simply being there.
As I cherish my moments of silence, I’m more aware of its impact and the delicate balance it holds in our lives. Silence is a poignant reminder of the complexities of human experience and the power of empathy, understanding, and connection. Silence has its stories, and it’s up to us to listen, be there, and, when needed, help rewrite those stories with hope at their core.
Are you curious about the healing power of silence and meditation? Join us for My Weekly Meditation class. It’s a welcoming space to explore peace and calm with other like-mnded people. Or, if you’re feeling the weight of isolation and looking for a path forward, let’s chat during a Free Discovery Call.
Together, we can discover a way to embrace the positive sides of silence while stepping away from the isolation it sometimes brings. Let’s unlock the power of silence together, turning it from a space of solitude into one of healing and connection.
See you soon, my free spirits.
Much love, Navjit