Silence - 'Mauna'

We are constantly talking. Either as a part of our occupation (teacher, marketing executive, call centre employee etc.), with people around us (friends, relatives, strangers, shopkeepers etc) or with ourselves (literally or figuratively). You don't need science to tell you that excessive talking does drain you out physically, mentally and emotionally.

Yoga talks of a technique of 'mauna' (forced silence) to keep you away from the physical world, take you closer to your true self and of course to conserve your energy.

Mauna not only refers to keeping ones mouth shut, but also trying to keep your mind from conversing within. Gift yourself a few minutes of silence each day. What can you do when in 'mauna'? Well you can engage in gardening, painting, reading, sitting quietly, listening to music, meditating, counting your breath, hearing the sounds of nature, listening to your heart beat or just being.

Try and fix a regular time during the day when you can be alone by yourself or bring silence into your routine by talking only when required. Only when we observe ourselves will we come to know how much unnecessary talking we do every day. Silence helps in getting in tune with ourselves, knowing who we really are, what we want and how we want to live. Get these insights into your own self with a few minutes of silence each day.

Shhhhhh!!!!!