Silence can mean many things in interpersonal relationships. It's ambiguous. It can express lots of different emotions ranging from joy, happiness, grief, embarrassment to anger, denial, fear, withdrawal of acceptance or love.
It can also help you become more self-aware and relieve stress. Embracing silence may also help you settle into the present moment and quiet any racing thoughts. It can also help you be more creative and improve your concentration and focus.
silent, taciturn, reticent, reserved, secretive mean showing restraint in speaking. silent implies a habit of saying no more than is needed. the strong, silent type. taciturn implies a temperamental disinclination to speech and usually connotes unsociability.
Silence during a conversation can convey several meanings, which can differ among individuals. It can also express anger or hostility unintentionally. In addition, remaining quiet when someone asks you a question can confuse the questioner about how you feel.
Silence is more “relaxing” for your body and brain than listening to music – as measured by a lowering of blood pressure and increased blood flow to the brain. Periods of silence throughout the day enhance sleep and lessen insomnia.
The added benefit of silence is it acts as a natural filter to your thoughts. It gives you time to think about what you are feeling and what those feelings mean to you. I have realized that this part of the practice is also a powerful way to deal with anger.
Silence is always in your toolbox.
When the other person is being intentionally hurtful, without regard for your feelings, you always have the choice to stay silent and walk away from the conversation. There is a point where no words will calm them down, and they simply want you to join in their anger.
Silence can yield more power than words. Inventor and artist Leonardo da Vinci said, “Nothing strengthens authority so much as silence.” Leaders know how to use silence as a tactic for speaking up for themselves and as an opportunity to lead.
The silent treatment, or stonewalling, is a passive-aggressive form of manipulation and can be considered emotional abuse. It is a way to control another person by withholding communication, refusing to talk, or ignoring the person.
“If I were to remain silent, I'd be guilty of complicity.”
Silence can mean many things in interpersonal relationships. It's ambiguous. It can express lots of different emotions ranging from joy, happiness, grief, embarrassment to anger, denial, fear, withdrawal of acceptance or love.
Spiritual Benefits
Spending time in silence boosts brain chemistry… and increases our ability to concentrate. Silence makes us appreciate life, connect with our Higher Spirit, and be more centered.
Just because it is peaceful, it doesn't mean it is still and void, as a few may think. It is insightful, powerful and full of meaning. It is when one can't lie to oneself.
Most psychologists indicate that it depends on the situation. When silence, or, rather, the refusal to engage in a conversation, is used as a control tactic to exert power in a relationship, then it becomes "the silent treatment," which is toxic, unhealthy, and abusive.
Some people who we assume do not talk much, could be struggling to express themselves even if they want to talk. Sometimes, people don't know how to put it across and have the fear of being misinterpreted or misunderstood. So, they decide to keep quiet.
The silent treatment might be employed by passive personality types to avoid conflict and confrontation, while strong personality types use it to punish or control. Some people may not even consciously choose it at all.
“You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.
Being silent allows us to channelise our energies. It gives us the clarity to face adversities calmly and think clearly. Intentional silence also cultivates more awareness within us.
Essentially, the point of the silent treatment is to make the victim feel confused, stressed, guilty, ashamed, not good enough, or unstable enough so that they would do what the manipulator wants.
It can leave significant psychological and emotional repercussions on the person on the receiving end. Being left in silence can be extremely painful, as it involves the loss of connection, love, intimacy, and sometimes even family participation.
Held, that silence in the face of pertinent and direct accusation of crime par- takes of the nature of a confession, and is admissible as a circumstance to be considered by the jury as tending to show guilt, even though the person accused is in custody on the charge.
Silence Can Be Intimidating and Revealing Without Being Forceful. Perhaps the anticipation created through silence is so powerful, even our naval forces have tapped into the hidden potential of silence and have developed a weapon to stop people from talking.
The reason silence is so powerful is because it gives everyone a moment to process what is being said, regulate emotions and form a response.
Silence is a powerful sword. We can use silence to increase our understanding and learn more about the people around us. When used out of love, it can show that we care deeply enough to listen with the intent to understand and need to absorb what was said before we reply.