Embracing the Silence

I’ve been accompanying congregational singing on the piano at church for almost 3 months now, and there’s something really important I’ve come to realize, that it’s ok to have “empty air.” If I embed a bit of pause or silence into the accompaniment, it actually helps me to perform better moving forward. Literally taking my fingers off the keys and hands off the piano causes me to pick back up right where I left off and in a much better position than before. You’re probably thinking that it seems a little odd, but I tend to do so between verses of the song rather than right in the middle in an awkward spot (if I can help it!). Once I jump back in after taking a millisecond break, I actually perform much better!

I don’t know exactly why that is, but I believe it’s the same principle as stopping to ask the blessing before diving into a meal.

Or thanking someone who holds the door for you.

Or taking the time to congratulate or recognize a colleague for a job well done.

Or even pausing to hold your breath before going underwater.

I’m learning this same principle as I’ve been training for a new role at my “real job” over the last couple weeks. Since about 75% of my day will be spent on the phone once I’m fully trained, I have to remember to embrace the silence, take a deep breath, pause for a moment. I’m constantly reminding myself that it’s ok to not have the answer (or even a response). If we knew it all and didn’t have anything else to learn, what a boring world that would be!

 Journal Java

• When is the last time you were in complete silence?
• How do you feel about silence?
• When would be the most effective moment in your day to pause, and why?