Keeping silent and seeking silence
Silence is golden
Israeli State Rabbis had called upon the public to abstain from idle talk last Thursday, the day before Purim Katan, the small Fast of Esther, so to speak, so that we would become worthier of extra Divine help for the return of all Chamas hostages. For some, to abstain from chatting is tougher than to pause food and drink. Some may take upon themselves to repeat this every workday for a set period of time. It makes us more aware of what our tongue does (to better control it), cuts out a waste of time, frees people around us from useless noise, and cuts out a risk of slander.
As the Hebrew Bible says:
- There is a time to be silent and a time to speak. (Ecclesiastes 3:7)
- He who guards his mouth and his tongue, guards his Soul from troubles. (Proverbs 21:23)
- Death and life are in the power of the tongue. (Proverbs 18:21)
Another asset of silence is to seek silence.
Our overburdened ears (brains) need silence. Not just at night. When we lower all input, we may notice what background noise plays in our heads. Some of it valuable, disturbing, or just the destruction of inner peace.
What do we seem to say to ourselves when no one talks to us? Can’t we deal with that directly instead of drowning it out?
What disturbing sounds are still bouncing around in our heads when all turns quiet? How about dealing with that straightforward?
How about turning down all the noise to acquire some peace of mind?
Overburdened, overstressed, and overworked Jews, at times, may slow down and relax. It’s an option available free of charge at all times.
A tree is known by its fruit. Only this tree has quite a variety of produce, so please don't judge the trunk after one helping. View more posts
