We live, in fact, in a world starved for solitude, silence, and privacy, and therefore starved for meditation and true friendship.
The Weight of Glory – C. S. Lewis (1980)
A cacophony of noise was always a part of my life. As a kid if the radio was not on then the telly was. My dad would happily sleep through all the programmes he said he wanted to watch, while I, more often than not could be found in my room with music blaring out of my portable record player or radio one while I had my nose in a book.
Time at my grandparents was filled with visitors to the house, laughing, drinking tea, and gossiping often whilst playing cards. Whist was the usual undertaking, played with four people with each pair trying to collect the most tricks, all accompanied with endless cups of tea or a nice glass of sherry. If it was just Nana and I then we would be doing housework, or the washing, or doing something craft related always chattering away about cabbages and king.
Once married children came along and nothing was ever quiet again, well if it was then you instantly knew they were up to no good and in the evenings the television filled the void. Their teenage years took me back to mine, music always filling every corner blaring out the latest hits, or as the backdrop to the latest must-have on whatever games console that was currently the fashion.
As life moved on the noise grew less, silence was not so much the luxury as the preferred medium. Losing myself in a good book, meditating, or writing always in silence. Visits from the kids and grandchildren came with a whirlwind of activity and racket often all playing different music or playing different games on different devises, or shouting at each other, or babbling-on about nothing in particular … as much as they were and are loved it was often a relief to the ears when they departed. Then silence reigned once more but it wasn’t long before I couldn’t wait for them to return and shatter it.
In later years, I still love to hear children, the joy in the sounds they make is infectious. The shouts of an impromptu football match and the squeals as they splash in the sea sums-up summer more than any words can. But now I value silence so much more.
No longer can I tolerate anything being put on just to provide background noise. I find I cannot think, or write, or meditate if my world is anything but surrounded by natural sounds.
I have always loved the poem, Desiderata … but it has taken years for me to really appreciate the first line.
Desiderata by Max Ehrmann
Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others,
even to the dull and ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here. And, whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore, be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labours and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.