Sunday, February 20, 2011

A Stay in the Silence


For a day, resolve to stay in the silence. Set a time limit of several hours, if a day seems too long.

During the selected time period, listen, truly listen to those around you. Hear their conversations without responding with judgment. Keep a notepad with you and WRITE your concerns to what's said directly to you. Also, keep notes on words and meanings as they float in dialogues around you.

If you feel the urge to speak, say to yourself, "Write it; don't say it." Then write it with vigor.

Remember, when you feel a response coming from your lips, write it instead of verbalizing a response. Smile and do not engage in commentary. See what happens.

How long can you accomplish your listening? Can you stay in the silence without spoken words and express yourself only in writing?

You may discover humor along the way. Share what happened during your "stay in silence." Post your process and progress.

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