What does silence sound like?
As a kid I loved Simon and Garfunkel’s classic song, “The Sound of Silence.”
Somewhere in the decades between the 1970s and today we’ve forgotten what silence sounds like. Although we might think we “tune out” the jarring din and chaotic noises that assault our senses on all sides today, scientists tell us a different story. They attribute much of our stress levels to mindless haste and noise. They warn that some birds and other wild urban creatures avoid downtown areas of mega cities. And some animals are turning into night creatures to avoid noise.
Silence has a great deal to teach us in the 21st century. Our culture fills in all silence as if it’s an unwanted guest. Yet silence brings peace and a sense of well-being.
In the Yukon/Alaskan wilderness, silence reigns supreme. And I love that! Yet at times, everything in me wants to fill it — as if silence is empty, a negative force.
The Japanese have a word for the “empty” silence or space between words or activities or structures. They call it “ma.” There’s no English equivalent.
It’s the space between buildings — ma. And it’s vital! Those who try to fill that space threaten natural balances.
Music too has rests — empty spaces or “holes” in the music. It’s not wasted time, but absolutely critical for a piece to develop character and flowing rhythm. I love dancing, and in dance, “periods” fulfill the same role.
It’s the same way with silence.
That’s one reason I’m paddling north for a summer of silent solitude. When I listen to (and for) the silence — the vital “ma” — life comes alive and has new meaning. It reveals its beauty.
This summer I’m spending hours each day not saying anything. (Simon and Garfunkel warned against, “…talking without speaking, hearing without listening.”) I’m listening for nature’s many symphonic layers: loons squawking, wind swishing through trees, water bubbling behind my canoe, the honey bee that just zoomed past my ear.
Listening for the “sounds of silence” is turning into the highlight of my 1,500-km solo canoe trip.
Listen. Ssshhhh! Can you hear the silence?
Allen Macartney is completing a solo trip on the Yukon River to retrace the route of prospectors in the days of the Klondike gold rush. Read more of his blog posts here and learn about his Royal Canadian Geographical Society-funded expedition here.
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Comments (7)
Yes, I know about which you speak. I once took a 10 day meditation retreat during which we were not allowed to talk to anyone, except in an emergency. Actually, we were not even supposed to look someone in the eye. It was difficult at first but then it became the norm. I entered into my own little world and enjoyed fellowship with myself and with God. Nature took on a different perspective and I appreciated it much more.
One word of warning, though. Enter the "noisy" world very slowly and with as much control an you entered your silent world. I found that even the smallest of noises can be deafening for the first few hours. I had been listening to a story on CD in my car before the retreat and could not wait to reenter that story. However, I turned off the CD after just 30 seconds on my way home. I still wanted peace and quiet!
Keep paddling!
Submitted by Joan on Saturday, July 28, 2012
Wish you could bottle some up and bring it back home
Submitted by geoffm on Sunday, July 29, 2012
I envy you for what you are experiencing Allen. Great article on the Sound of Silence, but just watch, when you get home you won't shut up! HA!
Stay safe my friend.
Thoroughly enjoy reading your blogs.
Submitted by Lloyd P. on Sunday, July 29, 2012
Great meeting Allen in Fairbanks and learning about this trip. Will read his postings to learn more about his adventure.
Submitted by Mary Rehovsky on Monday, July 30, 2012
Wow. Well written. I envy you Allen. The trip of a lifetime. Priceless.
Submitted by Scott M. on Thursday, August 02, 2012
Beautifully written, and very refreshing. It's true how we often forget what silence is. Many people are uncomfortable with silence; that awkward silence in a conversation, a pause after someone's asked a question. We feel the need to fill it. But if a response is not anticipated, why fill it needlessly? Thank you for writing this.
Submitted by Chantal on Friday, August 03, 2012
I can't believe no one has commented on this yet! This message is SO close to my heart. It's the reason why I go on so many of my solo canoe trip. Has no one else has noticed the amazing peace and beauty of silence?
Submitted by Allen Macartney on Tuesday, August 07, 2012
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