Prati Kalani-Kaufman is an expert in small business marketing and human energy dynamics. She is the founder of SmallBiz Marketing, dedicated to making marketing stress-free for small business owners, and co-owns a kennel with her husband. As the host of the Small Business Marketing podcast, Prati helps entrepreneurs grow their brands authentically.
We live in a world that’s constantly buzzing: notifications, conversations, music, podcasts, and more. There’s barely a moment to pause. For many, the idea of sitting in silence feels strange, even intimidating. I often get curious looks when I mention attending a silent retreat. “I could never stay quiet for three days!” they say.
But here’s the thing: you don’t need three days in solitude to experience the power of silence. You can find those moments in your everyday life. Even two minutes of quiet can make all the difference.
Silence is more than the absence of noise; it’s a journey to self-discovery, clarity, and renewal. It’s where you come face-to-face with your raw, unfiltered self. While that might sound scary, it’s also one of the most liberating experiences you’ll ever have.
Why silence feels uncomfortable
Let’s be honest: silence can feel terrifying at first. Why? Because it forces us to confront everything we are. When you strip away the noise, you’re left alone with your thoughts, insecurities, and flaws.
It’s like standing in front of a mirror and seeing every little thing you’d rather ignore. “I’m too tall.” “I’m too short.” “Why do I have these wrinkles or stretch marks?” All the insecurities we try to avoid come into focus. Silence holds up a mirror to your inner self, and the reflection isn’t always easy to face. You see the parts of yourself you’ve buried beneath the noise and distractions of life.
But here’s the beauty of it: the discomfort is where the magic happens. It’s where self-love begins. To truly love yourself, you need to face and accept every part of who you are—the good, the bad, and everything in between. Silence forces you to confront yourself, and in doing so, it starts the journey toward healing, acceptance, and clarity.
The gifts hidden in silence
The power of silence is more profound than most people realize. Even just two minutes of stillness each day can transform your life. Here’s what silence offers:
Clarity
When you stop the noise, both external and internal, you gain a new level of clarity. You see situations, decisions, and even yourself with a fresh perspective. It’s like wiping a fogged-up mirror clean.
Energy renewal
Words and thoughts consume energy. The constant chatter, multitasking, and overthinking drain us more than we realize. Silence gives your mind and body a break, leaving you feeling recharged and centered, ready to take on life with renewed vigor.
Freedom from the mind’s chaos
The first time you practice silence, it feels uncomfortable. Your mind resists, filling the void with endless thoughts and distractions. Over time, though, the resistance fades. By the third or fourth attempt, silence feels like freedom. Your mind slows down, and you reconnect with your core self—the part of you that exists beyond the noise.
Here's how you can include silence in everyday life
You don’t need to retreat to the mountains or go on a three-day silent retreat to experience these benefits. Silence can be integrated into your daily life in simple, practical ways:
While driving
Skip the music and podcasts. Let the hum of the car and the rhythm of the road be your soundtrack.
During walks
Leave your headphones behind. Walk without distractions, tuning in to the sound of your breath, footsteps, or the world around you.
Pre-bedtime wind-down
Thirty minutes before bed, put your phone away. Use this time to read, reflect, or simply sit in silence. It’s a simple yet powerful way to prepare for restful sleep.
Mindful tasks
Everyday chores like folding clothes or washing dishes can become meditative. Do them in silence, focusing on the sensations and movements.
Two-minute pause
Set a timer for two minutes. Close your eyes, breathe deeply, and let your thoughts settle. You’ll be amazed at how powerful this tiny habit can be.
What happens when you embrace silence
The first few times you sit in silence, it will feel exhausting. Your mind will fight it, throwing every thought imaginable at you. “Did I send that email?” “What’s for dinner?” “Did I lock the door?”
But stick with it. By the third or fourth attempt, something shifts. The noise starts to fade, and you begin to feel a sense of freedom. Silence becomes less of a challenge and more of a gift.
In those quiet moments, you rediscover yourself. You gain clarity. You let go of burnout and reconnect with your core. It’s like hitting the reset button on your mind and soul.
The shift you can’t describe in words
The benefits of silence aren’t always easy to articulate. It’s a feeling – a shift in energy, a sense of being grounded and whole. Once you experience it, you’ll understand.
Start small. You don’t need three days of complete stillness to feel the impact. Two minutes a day is enough to begin. Embrace the discomfort, face yourself, and let silence guide you back to your core.
My personal journey with silence
Every New Year’s Eve, people ask why I don’t join the usual parties and celebrations. For me, silence is my way of resetting. It’s not about avoiding fun – I love celebrations. It’s about starting the year with intention and clarity. I’d rather wake up on January 1st feeling refreshed, not hungover, and with my energy aligned for the year ahead.
Silence helps me connect with my goals and vision without distractions. It’s a space where I can reflect on the past year and prepare for the next.
In conclusion, silence isn’t about isolating yourself or rejecting the noise of life. It’s about finding moments to pause and reconnect. It’s a simple yet profound practice that can transform your energy, mindset, and overall well-being.
So, start small. Give yourself two minutes of silence today. Embrace the discomfort, face yourself, and let the stillness guide you back to who you are.
Because in silence, we are more likely to listen to the powerful guidance within us.
Follow me on Instagram, LinkedIn for more content on human energy and marketing or listen to my podcast series on strategic marketing in full alignment with your highest potential so you can experience real freedom in your life and business.
Read more from Prati Kaufman
Prati Kaufman, Entrepreneur, Marketing and Human Energy Expert
Prati is a leading Global Marketing and Human Energy Expert with 20+ years of marketing experience and a lifetime of tuning into her inner wisdom.
She combines her marketing experience with one-of-a-kind human energy assessment to help small business owners get in front of the right audience with laser-focused, integrated marketing.
