Noise is everywhere. Much of our energy is unconsciously involved in filtering out noises we don't want to hear. On top of those noises, we often layer ones we do want to hear — radio, TV, music, conversation. All that noise can bar us from a direct connection to the present moment. Plus, all this external noise tends to feed the incessant chatter within our minds. There is no better tonic for our jangled and distracted lives, therefore, than the periodic invocation of silence.

The Practice

Choose a day when you don't have to work and when you can count on the support of those around you. Designate this day as one of complete silence. This means not uttering a single word from the time you awaken till the time you go to sleep. In addition, make it a point not to turn on or use any nonessential noise-making devices. Left with the sounds of nature and a bit of white noise, let this day be a Sabbath of sorts, reintroducing you to your quieter, more essential self.

Raphael Cushnir in How Now