The Power of Silence

Antarctica is different than any place I’ve ever been. I mean really different. There are no cities or towns. We did set foot on a couple of polar outposts that are in operation during warmer months. Generally a handful of people carrying out research or just taking care of activities for daily living without the advantage of running water or readily available food supplies. We were also surrounded by wildlife that were not at all afraid of us and more icebergs and glaciers than can be counted. All of it was remarkable. If I tried to describe it, I would fail. Suffice to say, there were moments where I was taking photos so I could capture the experience. Then there were moments when I just stopped and took it in and was overwhelmed by the feelings of joy and gratitude that I am fortunate enough to be there. Tears of joy.

What I learned, aside from the information about penguins, whales and glaciers, was how deeply satisfying it is to be present in serenity. When we cut the zodiac engine and just sat in the quiet, a sense of calm and contentment washes over you. I heard whales breathing right next to me. I listened to glacial ice melting and popping with the sound of release air from thousands of years ago. I heard silence.

This expedition was a reminder to me that I don’t need to fill my every waking moment with something. A task, a text, an errand or the unending feeling that I should be doing something, when my entire being is telling me to just stop and relax.

While this journey was one of discovery, it was also a journey of going inside. Reflecting, appreciating, feeling your breath, your heartbeat and your inner most thoughts and desires. It connected me to my self. I tell you this because if you are making to do lists and filling your days with things so that you will be busy, you have permission to stop being busy and just be.

So many people tell me how busy they are but when they list their accomplishments, I can’t find anything that sounds fulfilling. I appreciate that laundry and grocery shopping need doing. But these aren’t the things that bring contentment and peace to our already over scheduled days.

(Is this what we look like trying to accomplish our to do list?)

I encourage you to sit with your self. In silence if possible. Listen for what you want deep down in side. Make that your priority. Maybe you need rest. Maybe you need to create. Maybe you need to talk to a friend. It’s hard to know what we need if we plan and schedule our days leaving no room for going inside ourselves and exploring what our hearts desire.

It took my journey to the white continent to fully appreciate the simplicity of being so tiny in a landscape of massive and unfathomable beauty and peace. I know now is that I can close my eyes, sit in silence and take my tiny place in the vast and beautiful Universe without ever leaving where I am. It’s a connection, not a destination. I can come and go at will. It’s a journey that goes inside of your self. What you find will amaze you.