Silence, often underestimated, has a transformative potential that has been the object of study in several areas of knowledge, such as neuroscience, anthropology, psychology and psychoanalysis. It transcends the mere absence of sound, representing a deep state of introspection and self-knowledge.
From the perspective of psychoanalysis, silence can be seen as a form of non-verbal communication, capable of revealing desires and traumas repressed in the unconscious. Gestalt therapy, in turn, explores silence as an awareness tool, promoting awareness of feelings and sensations that cannot be expressed in words.
Neuroscience has also investigated silence, linking it to activity in the default mode network (DMN), a large-scale brain network associated with introspection, autobiographical memory, and future planning. Reducing DMN activity, achieved through practices such as meditation, can promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve mental health.
Silence also plays an important role in the therapeutic context. In psychoanalysis, the analyst’s silence can stimulate the patient’s reflection and promote their protagonism in the therapeutic process. In Gestalt therapy, silence can be used as a resource for the patient to connect with their emotions and bodily sensations.
In short, silence is a powerful tool that can be used to promote mental health, self-knowledge and well-being. Whether through meditation, psychotherapy or simply moments of stillness and introspection, silence can help us connect with ourselves and the world around us in a deeper and more meaningful way.
Reference :
AGRELA RODRIGUES, F. de A.; OLIVEIRA, CT de; SOUSA, A. de; LOPES, AS; WAGNER, RES His day. The silence. What would be the power that emanates from the different meanings of silence for those who have experienced it? Unravel yourself. Latin Science Multidisciplinary Scientific Journal, v. 6, no. 2, p. 4069-4080, 2022.
