Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Silence




"Silence is the mother of truth."




So said Benjamin Disraeli, British Prime Minister for two terms in the late 1800's. He was also a writer with many adventures in publishing to his name. You can read more on him here.

At first glance, the above statement might seem paradoxical coming from a politician and a writer. For both professions, words are seen as the currency. However, I believe that both professions sometimes give the practitioners a more acute awareness, respect for the power of the word. That some politicians and some writers choose to debase that currency is a topic for another day ;)

As a writer myself, I have great reverence for words. I have always been aware of the impact of words. Conversely, I also have come to know that within silence is great tranquility. Silence also has great impact. Just as I use words as tools to convey truths, so I revel in silence. I need silence, sometimes, to find my own truths.

Words used carelessly can send out huge negative ripples. Words not chosen well, can completely negate the truths that we should be sharing from our hearts. The heart needs no words to convey meaning. Oftentimes, our heart truths are better conveyed through silence - not words.

In today's world, with its seemingly incessant noise, it can be hard to find silence. I constantly seek out times of silence so I might listen, hear, the truths we all have within us. Ironically, in the "wee small hours of the morning" when my world sleeps, is when I most become one with the truths only found within silence. Silence, for me, actually speaks very loudly. Think about that - it is not as contradictory as it may at first appear.

For me, silence is sometimes splendid; IS to be embraced, welcomed. For me, within silence IS tranquility.

How about you?

Brat

14 comments:

  1. "Silence is a source of great strength." Lau Tzu

    I knew you couldn't resist forever...blog on my friend! :-)

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  2. I have always been a night person. I love the silence of darkness.



    Congrats Brat!! It's about time!!!

    Don

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  3. Welcome to the Blogosphere!

    I look forward to reading what you have to write... and share.

    Do it at your own pace, never bow to the "pressure". The words will come, and fill the silence.

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  4. Ahhhhhh... about time, I can't wait to hear you unabridged!!

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  5. It's about time Brat! Congratulations!

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  6. I'd sure love some silence from IMing when I'm trying to read your very first blog *g*

    Welcome home, Brat....You may not know this yet, but you needed this space.

    Love you madly,
    Terri

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  7. HOAAAHHHHHHH!

    The Brat is Back.

    proud dad SGT Mike Stokely
    KIA 16 AUG 05 near Yusufiyah
    E 108 CAV 48th BCT GAARNG

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  8. A bratblog. Very good idea. Got you bookmarked!

    Mary

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  9. Well I agree with everyone Brat, it's about time!!!!! I can't wait to read some of your wonderful stories!!!

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  10. I've missed you...and your words.
    HOOAAHH! The Brat is back!

    Just one question, What took you soooo long????

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  11. Ahhhh... Everything is right in bratfille again!

    Thanks Brat! I have already have you bookmarked, and look forward to having my morning coffee break with you again.

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  12. Adding my voice to the others, dear Brat....."about time!!" :)

    You're off to a great start :)Keep on blogging!!!

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  13. Dear Aunty - while I welcome your topic of silence, I look forward to you joining in by making some NOISE! While silence and statement both become means of grace at the right time, silence at the wrong time can become complicity - not confronting the untruth we discover in the world. I look forward to hearing YOUR truth!

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  14. Nice to have you back. Your words are a beacon in the dark!

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