"Nous devons être capables de nous asseoir en silence avant de pouvoir vraiment parler"

The essence of this quote is about the importance of introspection and quiet contemplation before expressing ourselves. It suggests that to communicate meaningfully, we first need to understand our own thoughts and feelings. Silence gives us the space to reflect, to process our emotions, and to gain clarity. Only then can our words have depth and authenticity.

Historically, this idea has roots in various wisdom traditions. For instance, in many spiritual practices like Buddhism and Stoicism, silence and meditation are valued as paths to self-awareness and insight. These traditions teach that silence isn’t just the absence of noise—it's a powerful state of listening and reflecting.

Let's bring this to life with a real-world example. Picture a leader in a high-stress work environment. If she rushes into meetings, barking orders and making snap decisions, it’s likely that chaos and misunderstandings will follow. However, if she takes a few moments to sit in silence before each meeting, she can center herself, think clearly about the issues at hand, and consider the perspectives of her team. When she finally speaks, her words carry weight and her team feels heard and respected.

You might be wondering how to apply this in your own life. Start small. Think about your daily routine—maybe before you start your day, take five minutes to sit quietly. No phone, no distractions. Just you and your thoughts. Reflect on what you want to achieve and how you’re feeling. It sounds simple, but it can have a profound impact on how you approach your day.

Imagine you’re about to have a difficult conversation with a friend. You’re angry and words are bubbling up, threatening to spill out unchecked. Instead of diving straight in, take a step back. Find a quiet space, sit in silence, and let the initial rush of emotion settle. Think about what you truly want to say. What’s the core message? How do you want to come across? When you finally do speak, your words will be more aligned with your true feelings and intentions.

Here’s a little story to illustrate this concept. There was a man named John who was always quick to react. One day, his colleague made a mistake that cost the company a significant client. John was furious. He stormed over to his colleague’s desk, ready to unleash his anger. But something held him back. Instead, he went into an empty conference room and sat down. He closed his eyes and took deep breaths. He thought about the situation, the stress his colleague must be feeling, and how best to address the issue constructively. After a few minutes, he felt calmer. When he finally approached his colleague, he was able to speak with empathy and clarity, ensuring the mistake was addressed without damaging their working relationship.

So, next time you’re about to speak—whether it’s in a meeting, a heartfelt conversation, or even a casual chat—remember the power of silence. Give yourself that moment to sit quietly. It might just make all the difference.