Vow of Silence, Day 1 (Part 2)

Well, so far, the first day has been pretty good. As I had already predicted and prepared for, I did have to speak at work, but my speech was very minimal. I only spoke when ABSOLUTELY necessary. Even after only being silent for not even a full day, I have observed SO much! I got the chance to observe most of my thought processes, which are very fluid with what happens around me, but without speaking, I have more control over myself. People tend to treat you a little nicer when you are not speaking, however I did get picked on a little at work which was very much expected. I am not entirely looking forward to working with my general manager tomorrow, because I am afraid she may not understand my vow as easily as LB did. However, I am only scheduled for 1 hour 45 minutes tomorrow, so no speaking should be relatively easy, though I will most likely be on register, so I will be forced to speak to customers.

Back to my observations.

I also observed that without speaking, I am able to focus more. This would come from the theory of losing one sense makes your other senses heighten. I have been able to sense more movement, I have been able to hear things more clearly and really take them in, since I do not have to formulate a reply. I can better observe the textures of things, since I am not really thinking of how to describe them. All in all I can say that the vow has made me more aware of everything. I do feel a little more secluded, because I am not making my voice known with anything, but I am also learning how to make my energies project what I am thinking. Example, when I came home, my cat was sitting outside my front door to be let in the house. He usually scares a little when I come up the stairs, so I call his name, but this time I couldn't call his name, so I was more gentle when walking up and reaching my hand to him to pet him and he didn't cower away. Listening to music is a little strange, for I am so used to singing along with my favorites, but it's okay. I think I am managing quite well without singing. Haha. I also observed how people I work with speak to each other. There is a lot of negativity in the voices of all of them. Even though I understand why they are being negative, I do not believe it is necessary for them to condone so much negativity. I can honestly say that after this vow is done, my attitude at work will be changed. Everyone will be talked to with a more polite tone from myself and I will most certainly not partake in idle gossip.

Life at home is currently a little awkward because I am not sure if they know of my vow yet, so we've only had these awkward moments every time I see them, but hopefully they will learn of the vow from Facebook or on here since I can't tell them myself. Haha.

When all is said and done, I would have to say day one has gone over pretty smoothly. I will continue to update this at least daily until the vow is terminated.

Thank you for reading.

Namaste.

Vow of Silence, Day 1 (Part 1)

So, this is where I will explain my current standing with the vow of silence. I am currently on this vow of silence because I have found that no matter what I say to one person, I can not make them happy and I would like to see if my lack of speech will make anything better for everyone. I am not ONLY doing this because of the one incident, but that one incident made the vow happen sooner than expected. With this VoS, I will be more able to observe my surroundings. If I see you in person and you ask me a question, I will answer, but only with a nod or a shake of my head. The terms of my Vow are:

1) No talking, unless I am at work on the phone (because I HAVE to talk in order to keep my job), or if I am at work and am asked a question that can ONLY be answered by me that is work related. If I am called from Papa John's number, I will answer the phone. (Please don't call unless you need for me to come into work, because I am quite serious about this vow.)

2) There are a select few people who will be able to speak to me, but it will be via text only and not even family will hear me speak. (Sorry, I love you, but this is very important to me.)

3) I will not disclose who the "select few" are, but they will know, because they will receive texts back from me.

4) For those who I will text to, I will not engage the messages, you must do so.

5) For anyone who does not get messages back from me, I apologize profusely and it is nothing against you, I am just very serious about this. If you do text me and you are not one of the select few, you will receive a message that contains the address to this page.

I will keep posting on here with my goings on and observations.

Namaste.

(The bow that goes with the Namaste)

Branden, Pigeon, Hupman, Hupmung, or whatever other nicknames you know me by that I have collected over the years.