Comments on: How Getting Used To Silence Can Help Your Productivity

By: Robert

Robert — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 03:47:36 +0000

I don’t have a problem with leaving the iPod home … I have a Zune. It’s a great point though, I use my Zune most of the day, due to a co-worker who continually has a sports station playing at his desk (drives me up the wall). I hate using the thing, but I hate the sports radio more.

While, I long for the quiet times at work, I believe that there are times for the right kind of sounds – the sound of the natural world around us. Just this morning, I was at the beach, taking pictures and just listening to the sounds of the ocean surf.

Thanks for the article.

By: Chris Edgar

Chris Edgar — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 18:18:05 +0000

@Megan, thanks for your comment — it sounds like you see how the importance of silence goes beyond just productivity — that each time we’re seeking out noise, we’re actually missing an opportunity to discover something important about ourselves.

By: Megan "JoyGirl!" Bord

Megan "JoyGirl!" Bord — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 14:39:51 +0000

I’ve never been one for distraction when I’m concentrating on a project. Even as a kid in school, I needed silence to read or study.
These days, I know something’s “wrong” internally when I seek out distractions like DVDs, eating, or even sleep. I know I’m avoiding something deep within me that’s painful. Does it mean I instantly snap into a state of awareness and deal with whatever it is? No. Sometimes I continue on with the distraction and ignore my need for introspection, quiet and healing.
I’m working on that now, though.
I liked reading this, Chris, as you always have great words of advice!

By: Chris Edgar

Chris Edgar — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 22:24:56 +0000

@Sara, thanks for the appreciation. It sounds like you’re aware of the moments when you’re using TV or something else to escape from what’s going on for you, which I think we all do with something or other. I wonder what the thing you’re escaping is — I know it’s been valuable for me to take a look at what it is I’m getting away from and what would happen if I didn’t run from it.

By: Chris Edgar

Chris Edgar — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 20:59:56 +0000

@Zoli Cserei, thanks for that quote — being alone, I think, does give us an opportunity to discover a lot about our relationship with ourselves — and many people find that this relationship is in need of repair when they experience silence, which can be valuable knowledge.

By: Sara

Sara — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:12:16 +0000

Chris — This is an excellent message. As I work at home and most of time alone, except for my dog and cat, I’m pretty okay with silence and being alone. The time I struggle is in the evening. I do fall into the TV escape, which is something I need to wean myself from, especially when I catch myself just clicking through the channels because I can’t find anything to watch:~(

This post also made me think my youngest daughter who is in twenties. She has so many things, like phone, ipod, and other things that she’s almost never in silence. It seems to me today, silence is harder to deal with because noise is so common.

Well, anyway I appreciated your suggestions and this post in general. It was a good reminder. I tweeted it:~)