Why silence is soothing for the soul

Silence gets such a bad rap these days, and I don't know why.

I've heard people say they loathe being in typically quiet settings -- say, libraries, churches, or local parks -- where it's so hushed in there that it totally unnerves them.

I recently visited my alma mater's enormous library, which spans eight spacious floors. The sixth and seventh floors have been designated "quiet areas" where talking is all but forbidden. If someone on campus wishes to hear nothing but a pin drop while studying or working, they know to go to the library.

It's my go-to place to get some reading done when I find myself too distracted at home. I only wish I had availed of it more when I was a student there.

As an introvert, it's hardly a surprise that I relish silence. It helps me recharge my batteries after long days at work spent in meetings and alongside people around the office who just don't know when to zip it.

Extroverts find silence off-putting because they're energized by loads of chatter. I, on the other hand, become enervated by heavy social interaction, unless I'm with my closest friends and relatives.

Different strokes for different folks depending on their personality, and that's fine.

I just don't take kindly to those who use labels like "weird" and "awkward" for people who value peace and quiet. No, it doesn't mean they're lonely and would rather be doing something else. Many people would be happy to spend an entire day in a quiet library reading books, finishing a project for work, or just browsing the internet.

I'm especially partial to restaurants that offer a calm, relaxing ambiance. As silly as it may sound, many people report enjoying a meal less if the restaurant they're in is so loud that they can't even hear themselves talk. To me, that's grounds for never returning again.

For most of us, silence is hard to come by at home and at work. Even if you're not really a fan of it, you should at least try to get a few quiet moments each day -- perhaps in the car, garden, or home office -- to take a breather and clear your mind. You'll see that it can do you a world of good, especially when you're tired, sad, or stressed.

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