Grow in the Peace of Silence

People writing songs that voices never share
No one dared
Disturb the sound of silence - Simon and Garfunkel 

 There is something mysterious about silence. It can be uncomfortable but it can also be an escape. We are bombarded with so many sounds all day long. The copy machine (maybe), students, cars, videos, phones, feet (running), etc. It can become a sound sensory overload. 

The picture above really connected with me and my mindfulness. Growth is silent. Destruction is noisy. 

If we think about this in relation to our students we can begin to ask ourselves if our classroom is filled with growth or destruction.

More than 2,500 years ago Buddhist monks began a practice called, unguided meditation, which essentially was what today we call silent mindfulness.

When we practice intentional silence we began to gain the ability to cultivate awareness of our bodies and where our minds wonder and lead us.

According to Healthline.com a practice of silent mindfulness can foster calm, clarity, and acceptance. We can learn to take ownership of our thoughts and where our thoughts lead us.

As we already know, but has been presented again to us in a 2017 research review, we know that mindfulness like silent meditation can:

*lower anxiety, depress, and stress

*increase empath

*boost attention and focus

*improve sleep and overall mood

Also in another 2012 review it was presented, sitting in silence can help us learn to better regulate our emotions.

Growth is silent.

Emotional regulation comes from silence.

Our health overall is better from silence.

Inner Explorer has mindful meditations to help us and our students build the ability to sit with and in silence. I have had the pleasure of watching a kindergarten class fully engage in three minutes of silence.

Embracing a  practice of silence can help us prepare whatever task we have next. Silence can help you evaluate your thoughts. Not all thoughts are true. We often are caught in deep rumination. Our minds can misremember. Our brains are programed in emotional default mode. Sitting with silence can help us reprogram our brains to utilize logic.

Try an Inner Explorer silence mindfulness. Prepare your students for the discomfort and encourage them to explore their minds and accept the moment without judgement. Allow thoughts to come and go. Sit with them. Notice them. Maybe even journal them. 

Silence can bring clarity and understanding. Give it a try.