Written by One of the requirements for the black belt challenge is empathy training. We are to spend one day without speaking. I choose to do it on the dojo cleaning day because I would be around many people. It certainly was a challenge. Every time I wanted to talk to someone I could not. They would talk to me and I would show them a sign that said no talking today, practicing empathy. A couple of times I did accidentally say something. After I was reminded not to talk I would write down what I wanted to say on my notepad. I took it everywhere that day so I could communicate. It was a very difficult task. In the afternoon I went for a bike ride. I ran into someone I knew. I could only wave to them. When I needed to pass walkers I did not say on your left or right. I made a clicking sound so they would know I was there. Then I would wave as I passed them. It was a different experience not being able to talk while riding my bike. Mealtimes were also difficult because I could not talk during a conversation. I had to write everything down, I felt disconnected and a little isolated. I now have such admiration for people who are deaf, blind, or with other impairments that I don’t have. They have to live life differently which is a challenge. I have a new appreciation for being able to communicate by talking. This was an excellent experience to learn compassion for other people who experience no talking everyday. I am glad I did this because it helped me see the world in a different way.
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Both an astute and an interesting observation, realizing how much we take some things for granted until we are without and then having to think outside the box to find an alternative way. Thanks for sharing.