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The power of silence is in appreciation. If we tune into nature and listen to the silence, we establish ourselves as part of everything. When we stop and listen, we can hear our own breathing. The gift of life can be appreciated. At great moments in our lives, we naturally become silent. When we witness the miracle of a birth, when we watch a beautiful sunset, when we ponder the night sky and contemplate our small existence and when someone passes away. We can share silence as appreciation and mutual respect, allowing each other to be, without judgement or expectations.

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I find the early moring is the best time for me to practice silence. In the summer and autumn I love to get up early and walk out into the back yard just before sawn, before the demands of the day. Even in the business of the day in childcare and preschool, I find that I can focus on my breath and deepen my capacity to be present. I love the work of Aunty Miriam Rose Ungunmerr-Baumann - 'to know me is to breathe with me...to breathe with me is to listen deeply'

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I find the early moring is the best time for me to practice silence. In the summer and autumn I love to get up early and walk out into the back yard just before sawn, before the demands of the day. Even in the business of the day in childcare and preschool, I find that I can focus on my breath and deepen my capacity to be present. I love the work of Aunty Miriam Rose Ungunmerr-Baumann - 'to know me is to breathe with me...to breathe with me is to listen deeply'

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If we understand why silence is being used in therapy, then it can be successful. Trust needs to be built between therapist and client, so silence is not perceived as awkward or even threatening. Silence is very uncommon in today's society that is full of noise. Any space is quickly filled with commentary. Silence can be built on mutual respect. No one needs to 'make a point'. Painting in silence allows expression and acceptance. Silent appreciation. Silence creates stillness, which leads to the inner story to be told using non verbal means. A mutual understanding of the power of silence can be built through talking through the benefits of silence. Fears about silence can also be discussed and reassurances made that silence is not quiet judgement of the other but rather acceptance.

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Use of silences within conversation is certainly a skill that can be challenging and is one that all of us need to be prompted, on occasions.  Doesn't matter whether it be within our professional or personal lives, particularly when we are in conversation with another or within a group. The talking stick or piece iss a useful tool within a group as a means of ensuring everyone, who wants to, have a say.

For me, the use of silences, highlighted the importance and need to use these times more. Whether it be ensuring a dailing walk during lunch, having the quietness while driving which I do enjoy or sitting in slience in the garden early in the mornings. This is where mindfulness activities / tools can be highly beneficial whether it be for oneself or others.

From Dianne

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I live in a world of scrub, remoteness and isolation as a remote nurse, and I was born into  the bush areas, so sometimes I really look forward to an urban holiday. We sit in the mall, watch the people rush and scurry past, and it always reminds me of "Clancy of the Overflow", by Banjo Patterson (December, 1889). I quote my favourite parts from his poem, "...and the hurrying people daunt me, ........as they shoulder one another in their rush and nervous haste.......they have no time to waste.....".
We hear the "noise" and it's exciting, exhilarating and energetic, but then we go back to the bush and listen to the silence.
I find it interesting that this poem was written in 1889 yet, I feel that over one hundred and thirty years ago, it is still as relevant today as it was then, if not moreso!
I love Dadirri and grew up with it - not really knowing its full meaning, but now I have learnt more about it and really appreciate it.
Silences are rich, just like looking at the stars each night - wonderous and amazing.
Holding silence with and for a person is also wonderous for them, and for me, as they explore a therapeutic activity such as mess making, drawing or clay play.

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I love the use of Dadirri and am trying to incorporate it in my like for example turning off the television during the day and listen to the sounds in the world around me. I am including going to sit under a big tree and be thankful for the trees spirit.

Silence in conversation was uncomfortable at times however I am learning to embrace the silence and be comfortable with it in the company of others.

I am not sure how to include it in my practice except maybe meditation rituals, listening to stories and sounds, be thankful and wait.

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The concept of dadirri is simply wonderful and yet such a difficult thing to incorporate into our modern lives where each moment can be filled with technology, creating a kind of urgency to the day. We now have the first generation of parents trying to navigate the digital world with their children and I find this really hard. Resources from axis.org encourage you to ask your teens to reflect on their phone use, like how does it change your emotions? What do you like about your phone and what things do you dislike? This a good first step in helping your teen create boundaries and perhaps extra space in their life for silence. As well as regular bush holidays (preferably away from any internet connection), I try to model to my kids starting the day with silence, prayer and reflection. For me this is by far the most wonderful part of the morning (if I don't first get distracted by my phone)!

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This week we looked at lots of topics but in particular we looked at the use of silence and dadirri. What are your thoughts about silences? Can you use dadirri in your practice and life in general?

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This week we looked at lots of topics but in particular we looked at the use of silence and dadirri. What are your thoughts about silences? Can you use dadirri in your practice and life in general?