We are a culture of constant piped music wherever we go. I have nothing against listening to music but not everyone wants to have a cup of coffee or eat a sandwich listening to music. Depending on where you go it can be almost impossible to have a conversation.
Back in 1991 I made a major lifestyle change when I decided no more television for me and have not had one since. I still listened to music, finding it valuable during some tough times in my life. I used the music for comfort and healing, with both lyrical songs and instrumentals.
In 2000 another lifestyle change occurred. I had a 5 year relationship come to an end and found myself not dealing well with it. There was enough wherewithal to decided to take a camping/fly fishing trip for three days on the Green River in Colorado. I talked to no one nor listened to any music during that time. Something shifted within me. After my return, I began to listen to less music at home. It’s now to the point of none at all. The music took a backseat to quiet and the sounds of nature, the silence drawing me more into those places. I now find man made noise to be more of an annoyance and the primary reason for my trips to the country. At this season of my life, silence is about listening to silence.