Are you good at silence? | News, sports, jobs
Long ago, while attending university, I took German language classes for two years.
Shortly after my university studies, I lived in Germany for two years, and discovered that learning a language academically is very different from living the language. Yes, I could have stumbled over a sentence, but I was glad that the Germans I associated with knew English better than I knew German. I discovered that it was better to remain silent and let the other person speak for me. In my case, silence was golden!
Silence has always been important to me. I expect you are seeking that too. It was that moment I always sought, and one of the places I go to is the library. For many years, I took them for granted. They were always there for me, and I could find or order any book I wanted. Yes, I quietly took them for granted.
When wine became my passion, I discovered that there were similarities between a library and a glass of good wine. What were those similarities? Well, I’ve finally narrowed it down to three items, and I’m sharing them with you now.
First, in the library, there is the ability to obtain any published book and read it freely. I don’t take that for granted. As we know, in today’s world, there are efforts to restrict the availability of books, and this is sad. I will always advocate for free and open access to books in the library. In the same way, wine has gone through some tough times over the years.
Wine has been restricted in many parts of the world due to its bad effect on people and society. Then of course there were diseases that destroyed the vines. In our country there was a period called the ban. Yes, the challenges are many, but the wine continued and won all the battles silently.
So, to celebrate the wine’s solidity, I’ll raise a glass of Chateau Saint. Michelle Indian Wells Cabernet Sauvignon. Within its muted aromas and flavours, you’ll find the power that wine provides.
Secondly, the library gives each one of us the opportunity to learn. It is a safe haven for research and reading. While I was browsing through some old books, I found a book published in 1929 entitled “Good Manners – Reliable advice on etiquette.” I found it interesting how often the reader is told that it is good manners to be quiet. Whether a person is having a meal, at a party, or meeting someone for the first time, you always let the other person speak first. It was a sign of respect.
Likewise, the world of wine gives us a wonderful opportunity to learn about wine in the quiet of the evening. It would be interesting to know how much time you spent researching and sipping wine. Oops! This part of drinking may be too much to learn!
But isn’t doing something part of learning? One can look at the trick and admire it. However, it is quite different when one climbs the bluff. That’s when the silence of the climb is overcome by heavy breathing, isn’t it? Fortunately, I climbed in and sipped – life is good.
That’s why I enjoy a glass of Portuguese wine called Silk & Spice. It is an attractive and delicious white blend of Portuguese wine with peachy flavors that speak to you very softly. I advise you to taste this wine for yourself so you can hear everything the wine is trying to tell you.
Finally, I learned the language of silence in the library. Obviously the site isn’t always quiet due to children’s excitement and adult chatter, and that’s a good thing. In the silence that the library provides, I feel connected to it and can relax.
Most of us live in a noisy environment. The individual’s work can be somewhat noisy or may be family-oriented. Neither of these situations are bad, and we hope you enjoy them. I learned about noise on the farm, and live with the implications of that noisy time. I have no hard feelings about that time in my life, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Even with the hustle and bustle of farm life, I found plenty of silence by walking through the fields and taking long walks through our orchard.
I’ve learned to enjoy a glass of Chardonnay in a bustling social setting, and to taste the glass myself. A good Chardonnay is Clos du Bois from California. It is especially enjoyable after a loud party as you silently enjoy the flavors of apple and wine followed by a touch of vanilla. Fun too!
Even in the midst of a loud party, I noticed silence. I did this by not focusing on the music or socializing, but by looking at the all-encompassing beautiful trees. This may sound strange, but the noise disappeared as I listened to the soft breeze flowing through the trees. You can find silence anywhere.
The Swedes have a great word for finding balance in life. The word is lagom, a way of finding moderation and balancing the noise of one’s life with the silence within it. To achieve this balance in the wine, I would suggest tasting Apothic Red Blend. Find a quiet place and look for the full cherry taste of the wine and the beauty of its finish. Skull!
I still have a long way to go before I master the German language. However, I like to think I have a Ph.D. In the language of silence.
May you always find balance in your life and listen to the voice of silence.
As always, eat and drink in moderation but laugh recklessly!
Cheers!
