It’s Okay to Walk In Silence

Hustle culture has programmed us to loathe — even fear — silence.

Commuting without blasting music, podcasts, or audiobooks in our ears just seems like a waste of precious time.

Creativity, however, doesn’t require constant learning. Our brains don’t need stimulation to dream.

About a week ago, I needed to head home across town. I was only about three miles out and didn’t feel like waiting 15 minutes for the bus. So, I walked.

I generally hate to waste time — commuting or otherwise — so, I called and caught up with a family member.

After we hung up, I found myself walking — in silence.

Street lights were sparse, and traffic was light. So, it was a rather dark silence with only my thoughts for company.

Oddly, however, I went what seemed like a mile before noticing.

Maybe it was the autumn air — call it walker’s high. But walking in silence produced a serene feeling, such that I didn’t realize I was…well…‘wasting time’.

When I realized I hadn’t listened to anything since the phone conversation, I reached into my pocket and felt my earpiece.

Should I put it in?

I had nothing on my mind I planned to listen to. I wasn’t in the middle of an…