Power of Silence

"Honest people speak truthfully and wisely.  It takes greater wisdom to know when to be silent, than when to speak.  Most of us talk far too much, and our effusiveness bears witness to our undisciplined minds."  Ernest Holmes

This is a noble truth, and as caregivers it is something to practice.  People with dementia or any terminal illness may not be able to process all the talking some people do.  There are many times when I just rest in silence with Dwane.  It is too difficult for him sometimes to express himself, and that causes him frustration; so when we are together, sometimes I am present but silent.  It is our presence that other people yearn for; knowing we love and support them; and, sometimes, that is said better by silence than by talking.  What if we would practice saying only what we mean, and saying it with kindness?  It would be a different world if we all practiced that.  According to Ernest Holmes, the law of Mind gives us back our words in form.  If that is true, isn't it enough reason to monitor what we say?  Speaking simply, truthfully and in kindness can support us in this caregiving task.