Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Nourishing Noise 6/10/09

Of those who say nothing, few are silent.

Thomas Neill

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Hail.
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I used to carry a card in my wallet which read "Keep Your Big Mouth Shut." Unfortunately, for myself and others, I didn't look at that card as often as I should have. In my younger years I was always sounding off about something with comment, criticism, opinion, judgment, etc. even if what I had to say had nothing to do with the subject under discussion.

In my home, growing up, I wasn't permitted to say anything without getting some form of scorn or critcism back: "Oh, you. What do YOU know?" "Where did you hear THAT?" and "Children should be seen and not heard." Is it any wonder that when I finally left home I couldn't shut up?

I had what was known as "the gift of gab" so one day, when I was out of work as an actor, I took a job as a radio announcer. It was perfect. I could talk all I wanted to and no one could interrupt me.

Then I met Herb. Herb was a scientist, a zoologist. He was a next door neighbor and a friend. He would come over, we'd sit, drink beer, watch TV or talk. No, I talked, he listened. But when he did say something, usually three words or less, it flew like a dart or lit up like a flash bulb. He had the gift of silence. I talked whether I had anything to say or not, he only spoke when he needed to. That was the difference.

A year later I moved on knowing more about him than he knew about me.

DB ' The Vagabond
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What is that tune you're humming?
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9 comments:

betty said...

I wish I had the gift of silence, DB; I find myself talking more than I should/need to and often mindless chatter. I need that card you carried in your wallet a lot some days. Herb had a very unique gift; I bet you missed him once you moved.

betty

Beth said...

I seem to recall you writing about Herb before. One of the things I like the most about being with Ken is that we're both the strong, silent type. (heehee!) We don't feel the need to fill up the silences with mindless words. It's very peaceful.

Ken might disagree with this, because I DO have my talkative moments. They really are pretty rare, though. :) Hugs, Beth

Inday said...

DB, that gift of silence is in me. Why? I have no one to talk to except the cat.

The only time I am chatty is through the blog am writing. Guess, am unwiring what's holding me in person.

So I let go all what's on my mind ... behind the screen. That being said, I have no one to tell me Shut Up!!!

I share your sentiments.

Thanks for the visit ...Adage, Maxim and Quote

Big Mark 243 said...

LOL ... that is what my writing is for! I was trading personality traits with a dear friend, and I explained to them, I rarely speak just to talk.

That is what writing is for!! To siphon off the excessive verbiage that isn't going to advance anything.

When I speak, I want you not to hear me, but LISTEN. So I tend to talk only when necessary.

Ken Riches said...

The gift of silence, I like that. I think listening is an art form.

Char said...

Got an extra one of those cards?
I even talk to the tv, pc, radio...

Arlene (AJ) said...

I comment when I truly have something to say. I married into a very talking family that makes me seem like the quiet one, since I can't get a word in edgewise, lol. Amazing what one could learn if they just sat and listened.

Judith Ellis said...

I would listen to you anytime, DB.

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