Silence is Worth Ten-Times its Weight in Noise

You just have to know how to listen.

Leaving my headphones at home that first time made me anxious, but 20 minutes later I had enough clarity to last me a week, if not a lifetime…

The principal of silence is lost on us today because we rarely ever hear it, but silence is a beautiful sound that clears out unwanted mental noise.

You just have to know how to listen.

‘Nothing’ Is a Less Complicated ‘Something’

When’s the last time you did nothing? Not vegged-out on your couch nothing but truly nothing.

It’s hard to experience even a moment of silence nowadays being constantly bombarded with media, crashing down on every one of our senses. Even when we manage to escape it we are pulled back by the fear of missing out.

Just as night is to day, silence is to noise. ‘Nothing’ is not merely the absence of something more substantial but rather something in itself. A very special and powerful something not to be taken for granted.

Silence Is Sleep for the Soul

Just like we need sleep to recharge our bodies, conscious rest is just as important.

At a certain point in my life, I started to go a little crazy from the never-ending static that buzzed in my mind.

I tried meditation but found it too emotionally intense and would naturally avoid it. It wasn’t until I discovered a particular, seemingly effortless technique that I was able to get an entire week’s worth of mental rest in one casual 20-minute stroll.

Taking Your Artist for a Walk

Based around the idea that creativity hides inside of us all and desperately wants to be nourished, I learned about the concept of taking your artist for a walk, from the book, “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron.

The concept of an ‘artist walk’ is to clear your mind and allow stirring thoughts to come to the surface.

How It Works

Preferably in nature or somewhere secluded, what you do is leave your headphones at home and walk for around 20 minutes, once a week. That’s it!

You shouldn’t be actively thinking or analyzing but rather letting your thoughts percolate and develop naturally. Take yourself out of the equation and treat your thoughts like a slideshow. As thoughts come up, observe them, and as they pass, let them go.

The Calm Comes After the Storm

Prior to my first artist walk, I experienced storming feelings of panic, anxiety, and apprehension at the idea of not having a mental lifeline to hold onto. But the rhythmic tone of my breath as I stepped one foot in front of the other quickly soothed me into a peaceful calm.

After about 5 minutes I felt inspired. My thoughts began intertwining, dancing, and developing all on their own.

15 minutes in and my subconscious brain had brought forth hidden motives, desires, and triggers, and matters of my deep inner psyche revealed themselves. I felt completely in control but as a distant bystander. I didn’t feel trapped in thought like I had with seated meditation and by the end of my 20-minute unplugged walk, I felt reborn.

I Was Hooked

That first 20-minute boost of inspiration was enough to set me at peace for the next week, and I couldn’t wait to do it again. Now, I look forward to as many artist walks and moments of silent reflection as I can fit into each day.

Regular artist walks have opened my eyes to the power of silence, and the lengths we will go to avoid addressing the chatter inside our heads.

The next time you’re feeling off, foggy, or as though you need a mental break try unplugging and going for a walk. You’ll be amazed at what you’ll learn from and teach yourself!