Words, Silence, and Intention: Conscious Speech in Daily Life
- Srividya Venkatasubramanya
- Mar 16
- 1 min read
I grew up hearing my grandfather curse fluently in Tamil. I didn’t understand a word of it, but I thought he was incredibly cool. At home, however, boundaries around language were clear. Expression was allowed; excess was not.
Silence, meanwhile, was treated with reverence. My father and grandmother practiced mouna vratham—a vow of silence—once a month. As a child, this felt uncomfortable. Over time, I learned that silence was not withdrawal; it was discipline.
Modern neuroscience now supports what that practice taught me early: intentional silence calms the nervous system and restores clarity. Not every thought needs expression. Not every moment needs sound.
When I spoke without purpose, I was asked to stop. If I persisted, I had to explain myself—or be ignored. I could not stand being ignored. That discomfort taught me to think before I spoke.
The Bhagavad Gita associates restraint with wisdom. When words are chosen with intention, they carry weight. When silence is embraced, clarity deepens. Often, the most meaningful communication happens not when we speak more—but when we speak just enough.
Join us at this upcoming event. Registration is now open
A small-circle gathering to connect, share stories, and exchange wisdom.
What to Expect:
Guided conversations
Reflective prompts
Community connection
Comments