Maun

Maun means silence, but is not limited to being quiet in the outside world. It means much more than the non-movement of lips. True bliss can be attained only when restlessness is no longer present, when we are silent inside and out.

That being said, maintaining silence outside is a very effective way of conserving energy, becoming aware of our impulses, specially of speech and focusing on our inner world.

There is nothing wrong about talking and sharing. Community is an essential aspect of human life. Being able to communicate our feelings and thoughts with others makes us feel seen and acknowledged. However, we need to find a happy medium even in our social interactions. We should be in a position where we consciously choose what and when we want to share with others.

Sit with the silence, and notice what surfaces in you. Is it discomfort? Is it the fear of missing out? Is it loneliness? Were you using communication as a distraction?

Practice:

• Throughout your day, make a deliberate effort to stay quiet as much as possible.

• You do not have to compromise on essential communication, such as for work or with family. Instead, the goal is to become aware of what is truly necessary.

• This practice is not limited to spoken words. Apply the same principle to sending text messages, posting on groups or interacting on social media. The idea is to refrain from creating or expressing so that you can focus on your inner workings.

• It is also helpful to avoid engaging with any external content that might distract you from your inner silence.

If you have kids, family or work, you might not be able to give up speaking entirely for 24 hours. But you can still choose some form of silence from the examples above for a few hours- just keep it intentional and decide beforehand.

Let your focus remain on inner stillness. If you feel the need to express yourself, reflect inwardly rather than putting it into words. By embracing silence, you create space for deeper self-awareness and connection with your inner peace.

P.S. Make sure to inform your loved ones in advance about your practice. Many of us are not comfortable with others’ silence either. This is a test for them as much as it is for you.