We have been socialised to look for and notice the most obvious loud problems.

Parents, teachers, and even other children have been taught to be on the lookout for and pay attention to noisy children [and babies] from an early age.

As adults, we apply what we’ve learned from this experience.

We grow up thinking that if something cries out the loudest, it must be important enough to warrant our attention.

Noise can be easily detected.

It’s simple to put a high priority on something that’s loud.

The importance of resolving visible problems cannot be overstated. It has an air of urgency about it. Just get rid of the noise.

We are not accustomed to looking for subtle problems.

Silence frightens us. We’re not sure how to act in the presence of total quiet.

It’s easy for us to overlook someone who’s struggling in private.

It’s the friend who happily works ninety hours a week and has no plans to stop anytime soon.

When you used to be good friends with your coworker, but now all you speak about is the weather and sports.

The student who is afraid of failing an exam unless he or she gets an A+.

The spouse who has been quietly going along for months.

These are examples of big issues buried in a blanket of silence.

You’ll start to notice these things when you’re calm. Silence hears silence.

It is only when one can settle down and quiet down that one can pick up on the subtle problems that people who are silent may have.

It’s remarkable what you can pick up on when you pay attention.

Listen more, more than you speak.

Image by OLEKSII ALIEKSIEIEV