Sometimes, because of health or psychological problems, it really is worth staying silent. For some, a few hours. For others, a couple of days. But what happens to a person if they stay silent for, say, an entire week? From the point of view of physiology and health, of the workings of the voice and breathing – no problems will arise. Provided, of course, that it is an act of free will, and not the result of damage or inflammation of the larynx or trachea due to serious pathologies. But many people are afraid to stay silent, to be alone with themselves.
Practices of Silence
Many religions have practices of silence, including Orthodox Christianity, where monks withdraw into their cells and do not communicate with anyone for many days, taking a vow. There are equivalents in Buddhism, Judaism, and Islam. All of this is aimed at reuniting the spiritual and the physical, at directing one's strength and thoughts in the right direction.
Of course, in our modern world it is more difficult to practice something like this, but that does not mean it is impossible. It will be far harder for a person to give up phones, conversations, and to be alone with themselves for a fairly long period – a week.
Won't I Get Sick?
For many decades a persistent myth has circulated among ordinary people – «an organ that is not used atrophies.» Therefore many worry that if they stay silent for some time, they will then have problems with their vocal cords. But this is nothing more than a myth, one that has no basis whatsoever. Even if changes do occur in the muscles involved in forming speech, they will not be radical, and a person will not become mute forever.
Prolonged silence will also not bring about any other physical problems. It is dangerous neither for the speech apparatus, nor for breathing, digestion, or any other functions. Silence also does not affect the workings of the brain and the entire nervous system; moreover, it not infrequently even makes it possible to unlock certain new abilities, to teach one's sense organs to work more «sharply.»
Coping with Stress or Grief
Practices of silence over a certain period help in improving mental health. They help to cope with stress, to relieve nervous tension, to understand oneself, to grasp one's desires and feelings, to change inwardly, to feel more confident and calm.
Such a vow of silence is a fairly serious test for a person, one that shapes positive character traits, allows one to get rid of one's own complexes and develop patience, inner calm, and an unhurried pace.
The Silence Must Be Complete
Today people increasingly resort to such a practice, which, in addition to silence, also implies a digital detox. That is, one must not merely give up verbal communication with those around them, but also set aside for the same period any telephone conversations, negotiations, and communication on social networks. Necessary information can be conveyed to those around you with the help of handwritten notes or a chalkboard, or you can arrange in advance at work and at home that you are taking a vacation, that you will be unreachable, and that you need to withdraw into solitude with yourself for a certain time.
