Hello,
my name is Marlee,
and I'm a technology addict.
I don't really find shame in this fact. I like my phone to stay connected to my friends and family. I like my iPod and stereo because I'm a music fanatic. I like t.v. because I'm a film major and I want to watch shows and movies. I like love my Macbook Pro like it's my child. (God and my parents know it was as expensive as one.)
I'm addicted to technology not because I feel like I can't live without it, but because I simply don't want to. When it came to having to choose one of my beloved technologies to go without, I figured the only thing that would be bearable to part from for a day would be my music. I figured it be hard though. I'm constantly listening to some kind of music.
I hate the silence.
Well--
I hated the silence.
When it came time for me to face the music, or the lack thereof, I found something unexpected: a sense of calm. For years I have been so obsessed with having a consistent stream of sounds pulsing through my brain, that I'd completely forgotten the comfort simple silence can bring. With the silence my thoughts were clearer, my mind was at ease, and it was easier to be relaxed.
This little experience was eye-opening for me. Now, that's not to say I'm just going to stop listening to music. That's ridiculous. I love music. I'll probably still listen to it most all the time.
But sometimes.
On occasion.
When I need it.
I'll listen to the silence too.
Woah, I just made this same discovery, too. It's weird because I've been having trouble admitting it to myself. Music is my life, it always has been, and I'm never ashamed to pronounce that I literally do every daily activity to the sound of music, i.e. wake-up alarm, falling asleep, getting dressed, walking to class, walking back from class, eating, sitting on the computer, doing homework, talking on the phone, cleaning, etc. I'm a music junkie and I love it because it is so much a part of me. It is such a valuable form of self-expression. However, I, too, have made the observation that this year I have been doing less and less homework to the sound of music. I don't even have music on now, which is weird. It's almost upsetting me, as if I'm betraying the music that is there for me whenever I need it and now I'm abandoning it. I'm slowly admitting to myself that a little peace and quiet once and awhile is useful, but it's hard. I feel like I'm breaking up with someone or something, haha. I just find it so ironic that you're having the same realization! Cool!
ReplyDeleteI used to feel the same way as well. Over the years, I've made discovering and exploring new music a hobby even. I like looking through music reviews and blog websites and seeing what other like-minded people think about the music. I have developed a really strong relationship with music but I have also started to understand the value of silence. For one of my spirituality classes, our professor guided us through a meditation exercise in complete silence. The silence was strange at first but I really found it so much easier to focus internally without the distraction of music.
ReplyDeleteThere is no doubt that music can be inspirational and beautiful but an occasional silence can be so reflecting.
Comment by Travis Lyle
I'm so happy you have this blog. I LOVE to read your writing. It offers insights to your thoughts. It shows me more of you. And I continue to be so PROUD of your talent with the written word.
ReplyDeleteHey, I noticed you commented on my blog so I thought I'd read about your experience without your iPod. I agree with how eye opening it can be without your iPod, I was able to notice more of the things around me and it was a whole different kind of experience. A day in silence helps me think clearly as well, but even with my music I can still notice the beauty of nature.
ReplyDeleteP.S. Thanks for complimenting me on my title; the blog was originally created for my government class and I noticed that the people in my class had titles. So I spent a while trying to come up with a good name.