Quiet

The other day, I wanted to write something but didn’t know what to write on. So, I asked a friend, she has also found a new love – writing. I told her “give me a letter”, she said ‘Q’.

My conscious mind told her “You had to choose this letter out of 26!!!”

But inside, I had already chosen the word with the letter ‘Q’ – “Quiet”.

That’s what I wanted, and that’s what I wanted to write about.

The dictionary describes ‘Quiet’ as:

ˈkwʌɪət
adjective
- making little or no noise.
- without being disturbed or interrupted.
- carried out discreetly, secretly, or with moderation.
noun
- absence of noise or bustle; silence; calm.
- freedom from disturbance or interruption by others.
verb
- make or become silent, calm, tranquil, peaceful or still.

And that is exactly how I wanted to write about this. It’d been more than 10 days, and I still couldn’t write it.

And now I wonder, is Quiet so elusive, so evanescent, or simply not affordable…

I was in the car, contemplating, in the backseat and thought to start writing. Songs of the 90’s played on the radio, and their videos played in my head while I made sense of their lyrics. Several cars were passing by. And then it started raining, I could see the raindrops slant-sliding on the window of the speeding car. Rain drops falling on the ground, or the roof, or the car, or a lake, or anywhere is a pleasing sound.

I was at a café, and thought to write. The “Hellos”, the “Good Evenings”, the “What would you like to have s”, the “Here is your sandwich/Coffee s”, the “Thank You s” and “Welcome s” mixed with the chatter and some interesting conversations of the people. The more I tried to NOT hear, the more I heard.

The grinding of the coffee beans, the plates being stacked, the clanking of spoons and forks, mobile phone ringing, the buzz just went on. I was startled at the realization of how easily we all had attuned ourselves to this constant disquiet.

I was then at home, and decided to write again, while it drizzled soothingly outside. It was so quiet, I could hear the leaves of the trees rustle in the mellow breeze. Atmosphere around was perfect to let the words flow, but I didn’t know what to write on Quiet. We are so engrossed in this worldly noise, the talks of others and the endless lists of things to do, that most of us have forgotten to listen to our own selves. It is strange that one of the easiest things has become one of the most difficult ones these days. And I instantly remembered a quote I recently read – “An inability to stay quiet is one of the conspicuos failings of the mankind.” – Walter Bagehot

Give us some alone time, we endlessly scroll through and keep liking pictures on social media, mentally planning our next trip, or we remind ourselves of the next task to do, and complete the one at hand. Some of us switch on the TV, keep changing channels and finally watch a good movie on Netflix. Good to see, that some of us text/call up a loved one to talk. Some paint, some exercise, some dance and some of us read or write, and some sleep!

How many of us Do Nothing? There is something on our mind, constantly. They say “Quiet the mind, and the soul will speak.”

Today, try being quiet for some time, your inner self will thank you for giving it that piece of peace. Contrarily, you might suddenly get overwhelmed by the turmoil of thoughts. And that precisely is what we are talking about – Quiet your mind. Your soul knows exactly what does it need for comfort. Listen to what it speaks, and pay heed to what it seeks. Love, rest, truth, assurance or calmness, give it.

I think “Quiet” is a very underrated word, except for in schools where the teachers ask their students to keep quiet at least a hundred times.

We all need to slowly build that connection with our self, and Quiet is an exclusive way to do it.

The quiet helped me discern that our ephemeral life only yearns happiness. For some it could be earning well, and for some it could be seeing their child smile, for some it could be traveling, exercising for some, for some it could be the warmth of their loved one’s arms, for some it could be a sumptuous meal, a walk by the trees, a pleasant talk, art, a beautiful song, first rain, a dance, or the waves dancing in the moonlight. But the fundamental problem that we all face is lack of time, and lack of patience. We have all become such slaves to work and chores, that we barely have time to pay a visit to our inner self. It will not be long when we look back at the decades of our lives and only see tasks accomplished rather than moments lived.

Yes, we need sounds more than the quiet to appreciate the life around us. Quiet is just the essence, which even though little, gives a cognizance, color, a flavor, a taste and the goodness to the food of life. Find some quiet time every day, replenish your mind and soul. Because devotion, love, beauty, confidence, peace and faith are all savored best, in Quiet.

– Mukta

Picture credits where due.