Discovering the Power of Pause
Imagine embarking on an expedition where the ultimate destination is not a place, but a profound state of silence. This January, I ventured into New Zealand’s Doubtful Sound, a serene spot in Fjordland National Park, known for its dramatic landscapes and, more importantly, its natural quietude. Our captain’s welcome, “Welcome to the middle of nowhere, population zero,” set the tone for a journey of introspection and discovery.
The day’s capricious weather – sun, rain, and mist – served as a backdrop to the true highlight: experiencing the power of silence. When we halted, turning off all engines and devices, we were enveloped in an almost tangible stillness. This silence, far from being empty, was filled with the subtle sounds of nature, each whisper and rustle a reminder of the importance of pausing to truly listen.
The Significance of Silence in Our Professions
In a mediation or coaching session, silence is rarely mute. Professionals learn to spot silences that are smug or guilty or strained or in some other way telling of what is going on underneath. Simon and Garfunkel wrote in their haunting song of people “talking without speaking and hearing without listening” (it is a little-known and not entirely fact that they were inspired by a long evening at a North London dinner party), but it is the sound of silence that we need to speak and be properly listened to.