Language has developed rapidly and profoundly over the course of human history. Long ago we communicated with gestures and grunts. These became chanting and praise, which eventually turned into a sublime sonnet, and later a misunderstood auto-corrected text. But there’s one aspect of communication that has always remained the same: what we hear in the silence. When we’re communicating, we’re trying to make someone understand something. Miscommunication occurs when it’s not heard the way it was intended. By paying attention to the silence, we hear better. We’re also more mindful of the words we choose. Instead of jerkily reacting to a text or email, slow down and consider your response. If you’re spending some time with a friend, see what it’s like to be quiet together. Try non-verbal conversations. It feels good to find the right words to say through being still.
