the power of silence
The power in space and silence
White space
In design, 'white space' (or 'negative space') is the empty space between and around objects or elements of a page. Although, many consider it as a waste of valuable (screen-) space, whitespace is an essential element is design.
‘Whitespace is to be regarded as an active element, not a passive background’ - Jan Tschichold
SILENCE
Silence is much more than the absence of sound. It can have many textures and qualities that all combine to form a sonic environment that is both pleasing to the ear and the mind. Silence can be seen as the empty space between and around sounds.
Unconsciously, many of us consider silence a ‘waste of space’ too, as we're are trying to fill it up with any sound – may it be talking, background music or a T.V.
I find it super-interesting to investigate our relationship with silence, as a meditative exploration of sound and the impact of sound - and noise - on our lives. Sound is one of the deepest sources that we can tap into.
Whitespace and silence are around us everywhere. It defines what we notice, even our own existence, through our senses. Without whitespace – images would not exist. And without silence, sound would not exist.
TO ME
I love music, mantra is part of my yogic practice ritual and I've been sharing it with my daughter ever since she was in my womb. To me, sound has been more than we can hear through our ears.
Sometimes, I simply want to practice silence. Then, I don't use words, I am silent. Alone or relating to another person: silent together. In silence I feel sound moving within me. Thoughts and emotions forming my own inner sound that drives my experience of life. A whole new picture.
This practice became an integral part of my work as a yoga therapist. Diving into the seeming contrast between sound and silence got me thinking again about our society's approach to treating people with mental dis-balances.
I personally believe in a holistic approach.
PROBLEM
Problem is not having enough white and silent space. We’re adding too much and too complex information to our lives without respecting our space. Visually, sonically and thus mentally without enough ‘breathing room’. This way our minds, our moments get cluttered and overloaded. It causes to feel overwhelmed, stressed with burning out as a result, because we don’t recognize ourselves and our calling anymore. We are trapped in a rat-race.
SOLUTION to the perfect silence balance
In design, generally the more whitespace around an object, the larger the spacing, the better the reading experience. Although too much can break the unity and creates disconnection. It’s just about finding the perfect balance. Same in us.
Learn how to find your perfect whitespace balance, to listen to the silence with ease and read in between the lines by the next 5 rules that fit in everyone's everyday life:
- First rule. Always and again: learn how to pause. Notice what is. Right now.
- Practice mindful attention: focus on LOP (Light, Optimistic, Peaceful).
- Go minimal: removing distraction (what do you really need?)
- Breath calmly. Smile friendly at yourself.
- Keep going. Be curious. Change is happening*.
*Falling back in old behaviour is part of change, it means you are changing - don’t let it demotivate you. Get back on it.
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T R Y O U T
reflect now!
You may know that I have an inexhaustible curiosity about what is not immediately visible (in humans) or what's not the obvious.
So, now, I am uber-curious to hear from you! Tune-in with me. Feel like this resonates with you? Please use the the comment space below.