Communication is our attempt to connect with others which occurs from two reasons:
- Our dependencies on others, where the connection serves to get our expectations fulfilled from those others
- When we are sensitive to the sufferings of others and want to connect with others
to give our help or energy to them. When the expectations and sensitivities are in moderation, we are able to conserve our energies to a sufficient extent. If the sensitivity is at an extreme, we go out of the way to help others, draining our energies in the bargain. If our expectations are at an extreme, we become over-dependent on others, losing our energy, either trying to be over-nice to them, or getting anxious due to the unfulfilled expectations.
Silence is an absence of communication (internal or external chatter) which similarly occurs from two reasons:
1. A state of independent, unconditional inner balance which leads to:
- Reduced dependencies and hence less expectations from others
- Reduced sensitivities and hence, detachment (not indifference) to others
2. Persistent failures (non-fulfillment of expectations Or inability to avoid sensitivities), leading to a state of depression and a demotivation to connect with others.
How to differentiate:
Healthy Mauna:
- There is both external as also internal Mauna (mind too is calm)
- There is less triggering of emotions
- Levels of overall energy, enthusiasm and motivation is good
- Less possibilities of health issues aggravating over time
Unhealthy Mauna (Depression):
- There is usually only external (verbal) mauna, but the mind internally is impatient, anxious and restless
- There could be intermittent blowing up of emotions
- There is a lack of energy and enthusiasm regarding life
- Health issues and dependency on medication goes on increasing