2 Quick Silence Fasting Practices for Beginners
Silence fasting is essential for mind, body, and mental health
“Silence is a source of great strength.” — Lao Tzu
When I was a ten-year-old boy, I used to play cricket in a ground near my home. We were living in a village then, and most of my playing time was on that ground. A few yards away from that ground, an older man living with his dog. He was living in a hut. We used to play, and during the innings break, we go near his hut and take rest under a big banyan tree adjacent to his home.
We play in the early morning and the evening. That man comes to the ground to watch our game during the evenings, but we never saw him in the early mornings.
One morning, I was thirsty while playing cricket and went to his hut to have some water. He was sitting inside the hut, I asked him. “Anna(Elder brother), Can I have some water?” He did not respond. I asked him again. No response. But he was looking into my eyes. I left his hut, went to a nearby shop to buy a soda.
Later that evening, he came to me and explained why he was irresponsive.
“Thambi(Younger brother), I am sorry that I could not respond to you, I was doing “Silence fasting,” every morning I do silence fasting for an hour that helps me energized throughout the day, that helps me realize the importance of this beautiful life and many more. You will understand this one day.”
The story ends here, but I learned a valuable lesson from what he said on that day.
Quiet Morning
“When I am silent, I fall into the place where everything is music” — Rumi
A study at the American psychological association states that noise pollution is causing harmful effects on our life. Being silent brings you peacefulness to your life; that is why silence fasting is essential in our day to day life.
To interpret the silence fasting, is to have a dedicated quiet morning every day. Every morning if you are silent for 30 mins, it helps you to
- Understand yourself better
- Get productive ideas
- Focus on the tasks will be improved.
- Have an energetic day
- Feel much lighter, like a feather
- Listen better
Try to spend 30 mins in a quiet place. Keep your smartphone away. Distance yourself from television. Disconnect from the external world. Be silent and water the plant or go for a quick walk or gaze through your bedroom window and watch the sky.
Practice the quiet morning for a week, and then slowly, the magic will happen. Gradually, you will realize the importance of silence, and your mind will think about productive things.
In the silence of the night
If you are unable to practice the quiet morning method, every night before you go to bed, practice the silence in the below ways:
- Do not use your mobile phone before 30 minutes of your sleep
- Read a physical book, and books give you immense calmness to your soul
- Do not think about your “to-do list,” instead focus on your breathing and relax
- Listen to a meditation music
In the first few days, your thoughts will try to conquer you. You will allow your thoughts to master you. But, life will smile at you when you are stubborn about your decision. You will have a better sleep.
Conclusion
Do you remember the Karate Kid movie? One of my favorite quotes from that movie is:
“Being Quiet, doesn’t mean doing nothing.”
Being quiet brings more meaning to your mental health and life.
Give a try today. I wish you a blessed life ahead.
© Rajesh Vairapandian 2020