Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
Silence is a lesson learned from the many sufferings of life.”
Seneca, Thyestes, 309
Before we begin, I want to acknowledge the diverse, inclusive nature of “silence”. It can be strength, like we see in the above title, or it can be a sign of feeling weak. Silence can be support of a broken system, or defiance in the face of another. Silence can speak volumes, or say nothing at all. When a voice is needed, silence is damaging. When silence is needed, however, nothing can replace it.
Today’s teaching on silence is about knowing when to keep one’s mouth shut when silence is what’s needed.
I’ve said lots of foolish things throughout my life. Lots and lots. Truth be told, I’ve gotten so good at apologizing because I’ve said so much dumb shit; my own crucible of stupidity. However, when I look back over the myriad choices I have when selecting one of the dipstick things I’ve said, I see a single theme:
Every dumbass things I’ve said was born out of my ego…
… just like the things you’ve said that have come back to bite you have been born out of yours.
Our ego kicks in when we feel inexperienced, or fearful… and the word-vomit begins in order to relieve inner “pressure” and self-soothe in our moment of micro-crisis.
Our practice to combat ego’s hurtful, selfish desires is to train ourselves to listen, to create space for others, and to be able to exist without constant confirmation and validation.
Success in this practice is possible, AND it takes a ton of work. Silence will make us stronger, and will make us more and more self-sufficient…
… if we practice.
(See y’all tomorrow)
Today’s teaching on silence is about knowing when to keep one’s mouth shut when silence is what’s needed.
I’ve said lots of foolish things throughout my life. Lots and lots. Truth be told, I’ve gotten so good at apologizing because I’ve said so much dumb shit; my own crucible of stupidity. However, when I look back over the myriad choices I have when selecting one of the dipstick things I’ve said, I see a single theme:
Every dumbass things I’ve said was born out of my ego…
… just like the things you’ve said that have come back to bite you have been born out of yours.
Our ego kicks in when we feel inexperienced, or fearful… and the word-vomit begins in order to relieve inner “pressure” and self-soothe in our moment of micro-crisis.
Our practice to combat ego’s hurtful, selfish desires is to train ourselves to listen, to create space for others, and to be able to exist without constant confirmation and validation.
Success in this practice is possible, AND it takes a ton of work. Silence will make us stronger, and will make us more and more self-sufficient…
… if we practice.
(See y’all tomorrow)
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