One way to commit is to take silent action even if it's short in duration. Whatever the reason, a full day of silence can be a challenging and rewarding activity. Before committing to silent action, you need to motivate yourself, let others know, reflect, find ways to pass the time, and determine how to communicate to make the plan work.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Motivate Yourself
Step 1. Make sure you're comfortable when you're still for a long time
If you don't like being still, it's impossible to keep silent all day because apart from not talking, you have to apply some rules, such as not singing or laughing. Therefore, start practicing while living your daily life, either by turning off the TV for 5 minutes or meditating while being alone for 10 minutes. Take a little time to sit quietly without talking every day. If you're feeling uncomfortable, chances are you're not ready for silent action yet.
Step 2. Take silent action to support a particular community
Sometimes, a group of people commits to take action all day long to defend people who are "forced to remain silent" for various reasons, such as victims of domestic violence. If you choose to remain silent to defend or support others, this motive will make you more motivated to do it consistently throughout the day.
For example, Gay, Lesbian, & Straight Education Network (GLSEN) activists staged a silent protest on certain days to object to the bullying of LGBTQ people which has "silenced" many members of this community
Step 3. Learn to be quiet so you can hear
If you often comment before listening to what the other person wants to say, the habit of listening before speaking is very useful. This attitude makes you seem dignified when arguing, able to sympathize with others, and so on. Silent all day makes you get used to listening before speaking.
Step 4. Practice silence as an opportunity to think quietly
When faced with a problem, it's a good idea to reflect without speaking before acting. This way, you will be able to understand what is going on and make the right decision. Avoid irrational or rash decisions by not talking all day to give yourself time to think clearly.
Step 5. Make a commitment to silence so that you feel calm
Silence for a certain amount of time helps you calm and clear your mind. If you often feel stressed, panicked, and/or anxious, make a determination to stay still all day so you can get used to thinking calmly.
Method 2 of 4: Informing Others of Your Plans
Step 1. Share this plan with the people with whom you regularly communicate
A few days in advance, tell friends, family members, teachers, and/or coworkers that you're going to take a silent action so they don't get confused or feel neglected so the plan goes smoothly.
Step 2. Ask your teacher and/or supervisor for permission first
Silent action prevents you from participating in class or interacting normally at work. Explain to the teacher and/or supervisor that you want to take a silent action and seek their approval. Have a plan in place to ensure you continue to study and/or perform well on the day.
Carefully consider your intentions if your teacher or boss disagrees. Find other ways of providing support or calming yourself down so you don't lose your job or get a low participation score
Step 3. Distribute flyers or hang posters in multiple locations
If you are taking a silent action to support a particular community, we encourage you to spread the word about this plan. Hang up posters and/or distribute flyers at your school/office that include the date, purpose and why you took the silent action.
Step 4. Wear clothes that support the achievement of the activity's goals
Buy informative supplies, such as t-shirts, stickers, badges, etc. and then wear them when you are silent so that people will understand why you are not speaking.
Method 3 of 4: Reflecting and Keeping Yourself
Step 1. Do silent meditation
Meditation is a useful activity that can be done in silence. There are many ways to meditate and it is usually done in silence. Silent meditation helps you reflect, clear your mind, and pass the time.
- Begin to meditate by taking deep, calm, regular breaths while closing your eyes and focusing only on the flow of air going into your lungs and out through your nose.
- Sit cross-legged on the floor with your eyes closed and imagine an empty bowl on the floor in front of your feet. Once you realize you're thinking about something, put these thoughts in a bowl, empty them, then put the bowl back where it belongs.
Step 2. Keep a diary
If the act of silence makes it difficult for you to express yourself, write down your thoughts in a journal. This step is also useful to increase motivation and persistence.
Be aware of the emergence of the desire to stop the silent action. Once you find it difficult to stay still, write this down in a journal and think about why you want to talk. This step helps you understand a lot about yourself
Step 3. Read the book
When reading a book, there are things to think about besides your mind. If you feel like you can't keep up with the rest of the day, read a few chapters of your favorite novel to take your mind off it.
Step 4. Listen to the song
If you like music, listening to songs keeps you from thinking about the silent action. Put on your headphones and listen to your favorite tunes so you don't get caught up in talking.
Method 4 of 4: Communicating in Other Ways
Step 1. Bring a notepad and a pen
Have a ballpoint pen and a notepad or a notebook ready so you can use it at any time as long as you're quiet all day. That way, you can write a coffee order in a cafe or remind others that you're on a silent action. This method keeps short, straightforward communications running smoothly.
Step 2. Send a text or message online
Use email or social media if you need to have a discussion with a friend, family member, teacher, or coworker. This method is very effective in conveying complex and/or extensive information to others without verbal conversation.
Step 3. Use sign language
If you are capable of acting, use your body movements to get the message across to others. In addition, you can communicate with facial expressions.
- Point your thumb up if you want to say "yes". Point your thumb down if you want to say "no".
- Decide on sign language using your hands to convey important things you need throughout the day, for example when you need to go to the restroom. Give this cue to the teacher and/or supervisor before you take the silent action to keep communication going.
Step 4. Interact using open or closed body language
When communicating everyday, many people rely more on body language than words. When you haven't spoken all day, use open or closed body language to let people know you like it or not.
- If your classmate is sitting next to you, make eye contact with him and smile so he knows you're not bothered.
- If someone is teasing you while talking to you, cross your arms over your chest and don't look at them to show that you don't want to respond.
Tips
- Write the word "silence" on the palm of your hand and then bring your hand to your mouth when someone is speaking to you.
- Write down the information on a piece of paper that you are performing a silent action and then show this note if someone asks you a question.
Warning
- Sometimes, the silent action must end if the situation does not permit or an emergency occurs. Silence is useless when it harms oneself or others.
- If you don't tell the other person before committing to silence, they may feel offended that you refuse to speak. Make sure he knows that you are not against him.
