Ballet dance provides a beautiful analogy for silence in action. In ballet, there is the unique blend of inner stillness and outer movement. The secret behind the graceful expression we see, is a depth of internal strength we may not see. The dancer is constantly attentive to the invisible—the deep inner alignment of the body.
Spiritually, that stillness at the core of the dancer corresponds to the inner silence of contemplation. As a practice designed for integration into daily life, Rajyoga meditation is about mastering the balance between that inner silence and healthy outward expression—a balance that can enhance quality of actions, from simple tasks to personal interactions and even to decision-making. Spirituality helps us to methodically understand what that inner silent space is, so that at will, with mastery, I can go there whenever I need to, in a second.
For some, silence might mean a lack of physical stimulation, shutting out physical noise. But that is better described as creating a physically quiet space… not quite silence. We can be in a completely quiet room, but can still have a lot of noise within. True silence is on a much deeper level, and is such a healing place. It is a place that is always there, like a room inside a house. However, we have developed the habit of frequenting all the other rooms in our house, much more, and the room of true silence has been neglected. It’s become like a room that is always kept for only special occasions. That room never feels ‘lived in’. We spend time in the ‘what do we have to do tomorrow’ room, and the ‘past memories’ room, and the ‘what just happened’ room. Every single human soul has this silence room and can begin to frequent it more often just by remembering it is there and walking in from time to time.
Perhaps the first thing to bear in mind is where noise actually comes from. Noise is the result of thinking, focussing on or remembering that which is temporal. Everything remembered from the physical realm – the roles we play, relationships, possessions, even our own bodies. When we get consumed by these, there is a lot of noise in the head. It can at times feel like an almost incoherent tumbling of thoughts—mostly repetitive ones—until we feel we need a break from it all. When that feeling is strong, then we retreat into nature, the mountains, the seashore, the quiet valleys and riverbanks, to find some relief. However, our heads go with us, and even if there is a little respite, the thoughts will emerge again.
True silence is the result of thinking about, focusing on, or remembering what is eternal. Silence is the sound of what is eternal. That which is internal and eternal is refreshingly simple. There is a natural connection between silence and simplicity. The mind finds such solace to focus on what is simple, eternal, and true.
There is a saying: ‘Get the point and everything else is pointless”. What really matters is what is timeless. For example, silence in action in a relationship would be based on the timelessness of respect, which transcends physical appearance, hierarchies, or even proving who is wrong or who is right. Holding on to that timeless truth brings healthy interactions, connections filled with the sweetness of silence and peace. So, like the dancer, can I hold the inner alignment of experiencing that timeless silence while acting and interacting?
Our inner world is where thoughts originate, and that inner state shapes how I experience the outer world. Even though there is a lot going on in my inner world, I can learn to travel through it all as an observer, witnessing all the activity and yet not getting trapped anywhere in particular… there is no need to form comments or judgements in reaction to what I see. This allows me to go a little deeper into my inner world, past ordinary thoughts, because beyond the edge of ordinary is a space for the sacred, the sacred space of my deep inner world. The moment I visit this space there is a natural and deep sense of calm. My mind can stop racing, catch its breath. The silent, still sense of self is light and yet deep and resilient. If I can hold on to that for even a second, it can change the trajectory of my day, filling it with a vibration of simplicity, silence, and calm. Then, as I interact with the world around me, I can do so from this calm, cool and silent place inside. How differently I will go about doing what I have to do. That is the outward expression of silence in action.
Judi Rich is a graphic designer and fitness instructor. She is the Brahma Kumaris Centre Coordinator in Calgary, Canada.