I’ve always been one for talking. Ever since I was a child I would talk on end. Even to this day I can find it difficult to remain silent. This is due to a variety of deep seeded insecurities and a fear of coming across as boring or disatisfying. Though over the years I have found that with practice it has become easier. This is not to say that I do not see the enjoyment or satisfaction of a genuine conversation. But my words were often without meaning or place.

However it was in early December of 2019 that I discovered how truly joyous and peaceful it could be to spend a few moments in silence and stillness. One of my closest friends and I met up that afternoon and decided to go for a walk, one of our favourite pass times. We strolled down to the creek in the forest near her house where we sat for a while. And that’s when I found a real calmness and tranquility. Whilst sitting at the side of the creek I realised that, for the first time in a while, I had nothing to say, and so I said nothing. I simply took in my surroundings and enjoyed being there with my friend. I listened to the water in the creek, watched the trees dance and bend in the wind and listened to the wind blow through them and would watch my friend as she sat on the rock with her feet in the water, admiring her innocence and presence in the moment. As we walked back to her house I realised that it had been a long time since I had felt so peaceful and content. To have been able to enjoy a moment for what it was and for two friends to enjoy eachothers silent company left me feeling balanced and happy. Feelings that I had never found in idle conversation. This is something that I will strive to continue and to perfect. More can be said in silence than in 1000 pointless words.