Challenging the Deafening Silence
In a concurrent life, I work at a Methodist church as a Communications assistant. My office mate, the office manager, listens to music while we work, which I love, because who doesn't like jamming while you get stuff done, right?
Today, one of my old favorites popped up on her playlist. Simon and Garfunkel's "The Sound of Silence." So for those of you who are new here (which is everyone!) I'm just a bit of a hippie so this song gets me every time. And as I'm sitting here thinking about the upcoming launch of this business, and the many ideas I have in all aspects of life... the song spoke to me in a way it hasn't before.
And I realize, I am stuck in the sound of silence.
The song is simple- an idea arises, coming while you sleep. But you dare not speak it, opting instead for the default- the sound of silence. Talking without speaking - Hearing without listening- and co-existing without making real connections. I think it's more evident now than ever that people retreat to their own silence. Especially with the bombardment of noise that exists in the new world of social media.
We're surrounded by people shouting their ideas from the rooftops. And it's super easy to get sucked in to believing that your voice doesn't need to be heard amongst this cacophony.
Truth be told, when I retreat to my own silence, it's usually because I'm terrified that it's the truth. That the world doesn't need my voice. I don't want to be judged. I don't want to be told I'm wrong. I don't want the products of my thoughts to be picked apart or damaged by the harsh hardness of the world.
Funny thing though, even as I hide my dreams, thoughts and goals, projects and ideas, my own harsh words do the picking apart. They tell me I'm not good enough, that my ideas aren't up to snuff, that I'm foolish to think I can be as much as anyone else.
And the urge to listen to the noise inside my own head frightens me into silence. Why on earth do we do this to ourselves?
How do we get past that? The urge to stay in your own deafening silence? Stay tuned for more on this.
