Silence……………..

By Sid Chadwick, Chadwick Consulting, Inc.

“God’s favorite language….is silence….”……St. John of The Cross

INTRODUCTION:

How often have I said to myself, “I wish I’d waited another moment….before I spoke….I wish I’d written that note….before it was too late….I wish I’d spoken up…..”

These are times in our communities……. that give cause to reflect, “How did we get here..…and what needs to change…?

Silence…can give me precious pause…precious time…..to hear……to reflect…to understand…….

Silence… can allow me to hear….the frustration…..the pain….of a child….of a spouse…..of someone I don’t know……..

Silence…. can allow me time… to ask a question…..that’s helpful…..

Silence…. can allow me to see….important subtleties….and details….not obvious…..

Silence… can cause my conscience……to feel discomfort….. for better listening….to family….to associates….to neighbors….to customers…..to my community….

Silence…can cause me to hear…that silent whisper….I’ve missed hearing….

Silence….can allow me to understand….what I never quite understood….before…

Silence…can give me understanding….of better next steps…..that can make…. all the difference.

SUMMARY:

In a poll conducted by the Oxford Dictionary, they reported the most popular quotation of modern times…. attributed to Edmund Burke:  “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil…. is that good men do nothing.”

Our individual influence…..tends to be far more…. than ….we are aware…or acknowledge.

“What we have done for ourselves alone, dies with us…what we have done for others…and the world….remains…and is immortal ….“ ……..……..Albert Pike