“Silence is a source of great strength.” — Lao Tzu
Perusing our culture, society and the interaction among the people we see in all walks of life, in countless situations we are missing “The Sounds of Silence.” We have all seen through experience, the hypnotic hold electronic technology has on a great majority of people. What was once a dialog between or among family, friends and loved ones is now relegated to electronic devices, an abbreviated form of communication that disconnects what was the glue in relationships. There exists a complete disconnect in how most individuals communicate on personal, professional and business levels. Those skill sets are slowly vanishing and being replaced with a virtual instrumental reality when used purposefully with focus, direction and guidance can enrich our lives. Unfortunately, this is not the case in our society today. The internal dialog observed, uses external technology as a substitute for interpersonal connection and conversational exchange. It may be said, that people have now become enslaved to electronic technology and present an indentured virtual servitude in such a degree, that escapes consciousness. Ralph Waldo Emerson states it another way, “The revelation of thought takes men out of servitude into freedom.”
That still small voice within, holds the eternal choice of freedom. Connecting with that voice is another choice, and without awareness the disconnect continues. If a majority of people experience an awakening in their lives that jolts conscious awareness, clarity becomes tangible and within reach. Silence is nothing to fear . . . silence becomes a voice of peace, tranquility and serenity when the touchstone is a conscious choice of will. No one can run, hide or evade what is truth. To detach from that which enslaves our consciousness, is to experience wholeness perhaps for the first time. We reach a point in our lives where substitutes for truth become haunting shadows of a non-reality which cease to work. Byron Katie expresses it this way, “Placing the blame or judgment on someone else leaves you powerless to change your experience; taking responsibility for your beliefs and judgments gives you the power to change them.”
With every generation comes enlightenment through formidable advances on every level of endeavor. We must learn then from our mistakes, and change course. There is time to change course, awaken, step out of conscious mediocrity, focus, understand, become whole, learn from past mistakes, graduate to taking responsibility for your choices and realize the words of Carl Jung . . . “Who looks outside dreams; who looks inside awakes.” Awaken to the silence within, thereby finding your strength and treasure. JLR