I dedicate this post, and want to say “thank you” to the person or team of people who invented LOOP QUIET earplugs.

These tiny silicone round things saved me from going insane on multiple occasions.  

There is a psychiatric hospital in close proximity to the Father Pio Hospital in Przemyśl, and that surely would be my next stop if not for Loops. 

On the packaging, it says they were designed in Belgium and manufactured in China (no surprise here). Their noise reduction rating is 14 decibels which is enough for me to survive in a hospital situation. I know there are several more kinds to choose from. I am happy with mine for now at least. They work magic for my mental health.  

The hospital environment is constantly buzzing 24/7, with staff caring for patients, cleaning, and managing visitors, among other daily activities. The hospital where I am staying does not offer the luxury of single rooms, so I rarely have the chance to be alone in my room. Naturally, I do not get to choose my roommates; it feels like a lottery, and sometimes I am fortunate, while other times I am not…

Some of my roommates are quiet and reserved, which is my preferred type, while others are loud and obnoxious. Some are quiet sleepers, but others snore, toss, turn, or get up several times during the night to use the bathroom. I enjoy sitting on my bed and minding my own business; however, sometimes my roommates are completely opposite and feel compelled to share their life stories within five minutes of introducing themselves. I find it hard to decline because I’m too polite. If my roommate is a bold and determined storyteller, there’s no stopping them; I end up listening to their endless ramblings despite my subtle hints, like yawning, fidgeting, or playing dead. I’ve often thought that the only thing that might shock them into silence would be if I jumped out of the window, and after hearing a long, exhausting tale of various life injustices, I must admit I’ve been tempted.

Now, I understand how self-centered this may seem, but the truth is that none of us are in this hospital for fun or entertainment. We are all dealing with our own health struggles and suffering through something usually very serious. For that very reason, I WOULD NOT DARE to dump my shit on others in such a situation, as I have deep compassion and respect for what everyone else is going through. I assume that the last thing a suffering person wants to hear is a story of a childhood trauma or family conflicts from a complete stranger.

Therefore, I sometimes want to ask the oversharer flat out – don’t you have friends or family to unload your story to?

Having such experiences, I began to rethink silence and its blessings. I discovered it as a gateway to mindfulness — a very in-vogue these days form of meditation where you focus on being fully aware of what you’re sensing and feeling in the moment, without interpretation or judgment.

Practicing mindfulness – as I’ve been taught in the workshop at the university – incorporates breathing techniques, guided imagery, and various practices that help relax the body and mind, ultimately reducing stress. The key concept here is the present moment; it’s not about the past or the future—what matters is the here and now.

“Sometimes the most powerful move is to say nothing at all”, said someone in the YouTube short, and with that proclamation, I had a “light-bulb” momentum. 

I couldn’t agree more.

Since that moment I have held on to that epiphany trying VERY HARD to practice the art of silence – which is not easy!

Frustration, anger, or even resentment are the first to arise when something or someone continually triggers us. These emotions can rear their heads quickly whenever we feel provoked. They are unpalatable and not easy to recover from.

I am not afraid or ashamed to admit that I know both sides of this “trigger” game  – sometimes I am triggered, other times I am triggering – it’s LIFE!

Of course, it was more intense back in the day, but it subsided with age. We change, move on, transform, grow, mature, and age—we have to. That is what the cycle of life inevitably wants from us, and there is nothing you can do about it. 

I used to react big when I was younger, I took everything personally and held grudges for a long time. 

BUT THANK GOD IT HAS CHANGED! 

What came to me with age is a very profound need for silence. I love it. I love to be in silence and I love being silent. 

As I’ve paid more attention to quiet moments, I’ve found it offers a deeply healing effect. It’s not just about enjoying a serene environment; it’s about recognizing it as essential for my well-being. 

Silence has become my protective shield against unnecessary drama, allowing me to disengage from conflict. Choosing not to react is no longer a sign of weakness; it’s a testament to inner strength and emotional intelligence. I am trying hard to build both in me, much like an athlete building muscles and fitness.

Choosing not to engage when negativity arises can be the simplest way to establish boundaries. However, I would be lying if I said that I am winning every time. It’s still a work in progress, but I am not quitting when I falter. Each time I succeed I can feel the magic it does to my mental health. I see the long-term benefits of it – silence truly is a form of liberation. 

I’ve observed that gently swaying away from arguments or confrontations sends a clear message: I don’t feel like being trapped in this pointless conversation that drains my energy.

Instead, I need to conserve my energy for something more useful or joyful. 

Learning and implementing energy management techniques is essential when dealing with chronic illness regardless of its nature and silence is my huge ally in that regard.