The Power of Quiet

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- Noise comes in many forms and they get our attention whether we like it or not. Part of our natural design is to absorb information from the environment. We are endowed with sensory systems to keep us in tune with our surroundings. We can identify colors, tastes, sounds, etc. Beneath us are environmental sensors that coordinate in a symphony-like fashion to give meaning and sense to our experience. They come with different levels of function and capacities necessary to make sound responses.

We now live in the digital age that constantly bombards us with information. We get alerted by pop-ups and notifications. It consumes our time, influences our moods, and elevates our stress. Filtering out non-essential information is a skill to learn nowadays. Our systems are now beginning to feel the strain. Our limited capacities can only handle enough before ultimately breaking down.

Filtering our experiences is the same as how we manage the clutters on our desks. We want them organized and put in their proper places and order. It saves us valuable time and resources. Like managing our responsibilities in life, we list and rank information based on our priorities and respond accordingly to what is urgent and important. Anything not included is what we consider background noise.

Knowing what grabs our attention will help us become more intentional in life. It will empower us to use our time and energy wisely. Here are a few potent distractions that have the potential to throw us off course.

The Random Feeds

It is common knowledge that the algorithms feed our browsing activities with emotional content. This means to say that we are constantly triggered to keep scrolling for more. The range of emotions like anger, shock, humor, excitement, or sadness will stir people unconsciously to engage more when they possess no actual value or relevance to their immediate survival. Filter out the noise in your digital browsing by using customized settings. Only allow information that is helpful to you and try to block the rest.

The Grapevine

Much like how banks operate where one has something that another can use, grapevines operate in the same manner where information about certain events or people becomes a form of social currency. Social media put everyone's value in circulation. It becomes a transaction of who knows what about who and when. The more information they share, the more it keeps everyone in the loop. While these materials are unvalidated, they form a cloud of toxicity around you and you will be pushed to react and participate. The best direction in life is to always mind your own. In that manner, you can use your energy for more constructive and productive endeavors.

The “Add to Cart” Button

It has been discussed that the availability of too many choices will hamper one's ability to make important decisions. They said that the fewer choices we have in life, the quicker it is we can act and move forward. The fear of not arriving at the best choice has produced a generation of overthinkers. The inability to commit to a defined path will eventually affect other important aspects of life. Choice paralysis was made possible by consumerism where there is an overflow of products and services to a few who actually needs them. We end up buying products and getting into activities that do not directly support our growth and development.

The Fleeting Trends

Collectivism has greatly influenced humanity’s progress. We became industrialized and have made great leaps in science and technology. We have come to adhere to certain practices and norms that paved the way for societal structures. We became a group of nations thriving in a self-sustaining system. It is engraved in your nature to become part of a group or following. Though it has clear-cut benefits, it has also profoundly eroded our sense of individualism. We became willing to sacrifice our unique differences and creative potential for fleeting trends. We became subject to popular opinion and did not fully appreciate our unique perspective and understanding.

To achieve a level of quiet, one must understand that external factors can affect our inner peace. Although we have to live daily in the presence of these elements, it is also important to be in full control of them. We remind ourselves constantly that we have different qualities and directions to take. We have to stand by our aspirations and not be pulled away by trends. Never fall into the trap of comparisons as they can affect your confidence. Be fully aware of your unique journey and purpose in life. Focus on your growth. Know what is relevant and understand define your role to others. Anything beyond relevance or importance belongs to the spectrum of luxury. Try to refuse such noise.

To manage noise is to know what is truly important to you. Always find the time to be away and get aligned with your values. Be in a state of synchronicity where you are within the natural order of things, understanding your place in the world. There is more clarity in that direction. There are fewer interruptions to contend with.

Imagine a day without viral feeds. A day without people’s expectations where you can be who you are and mind your own. Imagine a life where you only have one choice, and that choice is to experience life one day at a time. That day will be the quietest day of your life.