Is Your Anxiety and Insomnia Caused by Noise Pollution?

In a world inundated by noise pollution stemming from the traffic, jet planes, radio, television, mobiles and a whole lot more of man-made stuffs, you would find the following extracts from an article "On Sound Bites and Silence" written by Rev Dr Jimmy Tan for Trumpet newsletter (Dec 2017) useful for your reflection:

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"Unfortunately, some have gotten so used to living with noise that they seem not to be able to live without it! The common sight of people walking with headphones or earpieces is testimony to it. Yet, being constantly exposed to noise has dire consequences. A brochure by the National Addictions Management Services in Singapore lists noise as a major contributor to stress-related illnesses such as anxiety and insomnia.

Prolonged exposure to noise is detrimental to our health. Over time, we lose the ability to hear not only sound but also our own thoughts and emotions. We lose touch with ourselves.

Sadly, many do not know how to be quiet despite knowing the benefits of silence. They dare not retreat into it, for sheer silence seem deafening to them. Yet, the practice of silence is not only good for our physical, emotional and mental health, it is especially important to our relationship with God.

I wish to highlight some benefits the practice of silence brings to our relationship with God and with others.

The Greek word for silence we wish to consider is hesychia. It describes that God-produced calm which includes an inner tranquillity that supports appropriate action (J. Thayer). We notice two aspects here. First, the calm that comes through the practice of silence is produced by God. It is an inner tranquillity. In other words, it is peace that is much deeper than just than absence of noise. It is the inner assurance of God's control over the chaos of life which sets us at peace -- that which the psalmist echoes in Psalm 46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God." ...

This brings us to the second aspect of Thayer's definition: the appropriate action that stems from inner tranquillity. Silence is not the same as passivity; rather, it is the depth from which arises an appropriate word or action. We become less reactive to external stimuli but more able to respond from an inner solitude forged by God. We are more alert to what God is doing -- and wants us to do. God purifies our minds and hearts and enables us to relate better to others. This is a fruit of silence. ...

The practice of silence is sorely needed in a world polluted by noise. It not only rescues us from the destructiveness of excessive noise but releases us into serenity of life in God. It helps us not only to hear and follow God but also to hear and love our neighbour."

"Silence is the sleep that nourishes wisdom." -- Francis Bacon

"Silence is as deep as eternity, speech as shallow as time." -- Thomas Carlyle


Bibliography:
"On Sound Bites and Silence" by Rev Dr Jimmy Tan, Trumpet (Dec 2017) published by Trinity Theological College (Website: www.ttc.edu.sg)