No, I was not mad! 

International Yoga Day 2025, we had some exciting activities through the center, just like every other year. Unfortunately, due to some ongoing discomfort in my body, I was unable to attend the events. Not being part of those special gatherings with the spiritual family was a slight disappointment for me. However, I still wanted to make my stay-at-home not-so-boring. 

Then, an idea popped up in my head. Early morning, I dropped a message in my siblings’ WhatsApp group – “Hello, all! I am observing complete verbal silence today and paying extra attention to mental silence as well.”

Silence plays a vital role in a spiritual lifestyle, often referred to as meditation. Meditation is not just about being quiet; it involves quieting the mind. This doesn’t mean shutting down your thoughts, as thinking is a natural function of the mind that cannot be stopped. In our spiritual practice, we are encouraged to take moments throughout our daily routines to spend some time in silence and observe our thoughts. We gently allow our minds to entertain elevated and powerful thoughts, allowing ourselves to truly experience them.

This practice can be undertaken even when in the company of family, colleagues, or clients. However, carving out time away from your daily responsibilities for complete silence can enhance your meditation practice. It’s similar to setting aside a few hours each week to go to the gym, where the focus is solely on physical fitness.

So, here’s how my Silence Day on International Yoga Day 2025 went. I wasn’t going to a job or any programs, so staying quiet for the day wasn’t a big deal for me. The only challenge was watching my mind throughout the day and ensuring it created only necessary thoughts.

• When I am not speaking, I have a lot of time to train my mind towards a better thinking approach.
• Nobody knows what I am thinking, so why do I keep thinking here and there – total waste just to make myself more uncomfortable!? I always have a choice of what to think.
• Watching myself in quietness while walking, driving, eating, or doing anything gives me a sense of self-compassion, which has helped me grow more love and compassion for myself.
• I went for a short walk and went to the grocery store… I realized I really didn’t have to speak; my smiles did all the communication I needed.
• When I went to a park near my house, I saw one of my neighbors. Before any voice was uttered, I typed on my phone, “I am observing Silence today,” and showed it to him. He flashed a thumbs-up and joined me for a few minutes while I walked before he left. There was complete silence between us.
• I realized that when we are not speaking, our consciousness stays in a higher dimension, and that feels so powerful.
• In silence, I tend to practice a more soul-conscious stage and connection with the Source, which is easier and faster.
• I ended my day with an hour of powerful meditation, and the experience was complete Bliss.

Do you have experience with Silence? Or any thoughts you want to share? You’re most welcome to write to me at leenaduwadi@gmail.com.