The Challenge of Quiet

Five years ago, I made the decision to switch off the radio in my truck. My goal was to invite more quietude into my life, to reclaim the time I was losing during my daily commutes. The idea of utilizing this time for meaningful reflection felt like a smart move—at least in theory.

It's astonishing how loud our thoughts can become when we are forced to confront them in solitude for extended periods. Music had always been a constant in my life, serving as the soundtrack to my experiences. I would select upbeat tracks for workouts and soothing melodies while working or writing. During my youth, I was drawn to genres like Rock, Rap, and what is now known as EDM, all of which resonated with my teenage rebellious spirit.

We often listen to music while driving to fill the silence—an absence that can feel unsettling.

The Struggle with Silence

I quickly discovered why silence can be intimidating. Spending time alone with one's thoughts can be daunting. Although I had practiced meditation for years, I realized this was a different scenario. My meditation sessions were structured and intentional, occurring before daily distractions could set in.

Moreover, driving can be tedious! As a child, the thrill of driving symbolized newfound freedom, but now it felt like a mundane obligation. Music had always made this experience more enjoyable.

Adapting to this new habit was a challenge. I endeavored to practice mindful driving, focusing my awareness on the road, my surroundings, and other vehicles, much like I did during mindful walking. If I struggled, my passengers, particularly my wife, were subjected to my experiment without much enjoyment.

The Transformative Benefits

Over time, as is often the case with new habits, I adapted to the silence. I began to feel more rejuvenated, with a clearer mind. I found it easier to tackle persistent challenges at work, developing solutions that were more thorough and lasting.

I became calmer, effectively incorporating an hour of meditation and reflection into my daily routine. Following Seneca’s advice to evaluate each day helped me utilize even the most ordinary activities for introspection.

Additionally, I became a more aware and responsible driver. My primary objective was to stay alert to my surroundings, which naturally improved my reaction times and adaptability to traffic changes. Since I stopped using the radio, I have not had any accidents or received traffic citations.

Unexpectedly, I also experienced a deepened sense of companionship based on a concept from Epicurus, who suggested that true friendship involves the comfort of sitting quietly together. This silence fosters a space for reflection and appreciation, leading to more engaging conversations during our drives and strengthening our relationships.

While I still need to listen to work-related calls and enjoy audiobooks on road trips, my radio has become obsolete. I've discovered a newfound comfort in silence. Interestingly, I've noticed that my wife now keeps her radio off about 75% of the time when we travel in her car.

Consider giving it a try: switch off your radio. Avoid syncing your phone or playing music during your commutes. This practice can also be applied to public transportation. Embrace the solitude and enjoy the liberation from external influences. Utilize this quiet time daily, and you’ll likely observe positive changes in other areas of your life.