I’ve noticed lately that we have constant noise around us. There may be a TV on in the background or I’m listening to a podcast. For peace and quiet, I head outdoors for a walk or to sit on the zero gravity recliner in the backyard. Then I hear birds, the wind rustling through trees and I decompress.
I was wondering where the term “peace and quiet” came from.
peace and quiet
Tranquillity and freedom from disturbance. This phrase’s redundancy- quiet here does not mean “lack of sound” but “peacefulness”-gives added emphasis. It often is used in wishes for this condition, as in
All I want is a little peace and quiet. [Mid-1800s]
It turns out that peace and quiet is more important than you might think. According to Psych Central, there are seven benefits of silence:
Dialing down the noise may offer significant psychological and mental health advantages.
Do you welcome silence, or do you cringe at the mere idea of sitting with your thoughts?
We live in a noise-filled world, and for some, the constant background clatter helps us tune out any unwanted thoughts that may fill our minds.
For others, spending time in silence can provide a moment for some much-needed clarity. If you fill your free time with noisy activities, you may be missing out on the advantages that silence can provide.
https://psychcentral.com/blog/the-hidden-benefits-of-silence
Some of the benefits listed in the article above included mindfulness, self-awareness, stress relief and stimulating brain cells! I am all for that! I could use all the brain cells being stimulated I can find. I also am not a fan of stress.
Ironically, I was listening to a podcast that promoted peace and quiet. Then I decided to turn it off so I could enjoy some for myself.
Where do you find peace and quiet or peacefulness?
I’ve always thought of this saying not so much as silence from sound/noise but more a lack of chaos that can surround life at times. Things flowing smoothly, no turmoil, just calm. Thankfully I get to have that calm most of the time 🙂
I believe you understand the original meaning correctly. Lucky for you to have calm most of the time.
Well at least when there is chaos I’m typically not the one creating it EA! My life thankfully is relatively predictable at this point though.
You don’t seem to be a agent of chaos! 😅 My life is pretty peaceful, but at times I get overbooked, not by design, but the few things I’m involved with can end up on the same day.
Like you, E.A., I find peace in quiet in nature. However, I also agree with Deb about the lack of chaos. A life free of worry and anxiety is a good a peaceful life. 😊
I agree that peace and quiet is free of worry and anxiety. A lack of chaos was the original meaning, but the expression has developed into quietness, too. I do think that noise going on all the time adds to the stress in our lives.
I adore peace and quiet, it’s what keeps me centered and productive. I despise TVs playing in the background [like in waiting rooms or bars] or the whirl of the machines landscapers use, however I cannot avoid them when I’m out in the world. BUT in our house we are as quiet as those proverbial church mice, only adding music or TV with intention.
I like that you only have TV or music on with intention. I wish it were that way in our house! I think the issue is my husband has the news on while he works. He doesn’t hear very well, so it’s loud. The news does add to his business, he needs to know what’s going on in the markets.
I like to sit in silence. Constant noise is disturbing.
I do too. You are so correct.
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OMG – that is the most brilliant ending. Turning off the podcast. So good. What great therapy for the mind and body! Thank you for this wonderful PSA!
Thanks! I realized I got my idea for the post from the podcast. And yes, I turned it off!
I love peace and quiet also. I don’t typically listen to music unless we have people over and need some background mood-setting tunes. I do like listening to podcasts though because they often give me interesting things to think about while I’m enjoying peace and quiet. 🙂
We haven’t set up a sound system in our house yet. There’s a jumble of wires twenty years old that we need help with. Or to go wireless. I do enjoy podcasts.
Different methods of getting it … but peace and quiet is a godsend!!!!
I’m almost always surrounded with peace and quite where we live. If I’m focused on working or being outdoors, I don’t listen to music. I just want the natural sounds. I am very sensitive to unusual noises, whether they’re irritating, or indicate something that needs to be taken care of. I am curious about this concept of a “ zero gravity recliner”!
I love the sounds of nature, too. The zero gravity recliner is a folding chair with a big recline. My legs end up higher than my head. It feels very relaxing. They sell them at hardware stores like Home Depot or Amazon.
I just was sitting in the zero gravity recliner. Legs and feet are raised, but my head is still higher. It’s very comfortable.
I have learned to love peace and quiet even more as I get older. Being in nature is a wonderful way to enjoy it.
I am more appreciative of quiet as I get older too.
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I’ve been in the mood for peace and quiet too. It is liberating to quiet the mind, reminds me of being a child, riding our bikes, going by the Lake… no cell phone distractions, glorious. 💕
We used to ride bikes all over the countryside when I was growing up. We’d ride to a neighbor’s door to see if they’d want to join us. No cell phones!
I find peace and quiet on a walk, like you mentioned, and simply sitting on our patios. It’s relaxing to watch the hummingbirds. Great post!
Thanks! Yes, sitting outside or walking is peaceful.