“Don’t ever mistake my silence for ignorance, my calmness for acceptance, or my kindness for weakness.”
Anonymous
I read this quote and said "Yes".
I have kept it near me, never sure when I would be ready to say anything about it, but today it popped out of the list and into my blog post, so I figure it's time. As I thought about it, it came to me that one of the reasons I resonated with it, is because maybe it is talking about introverts.
I asked myself who would say this? What sort of person are you? Being the ubiquitous 'anonymous' I couldn't go searching and researching them. In the end I felt they were maybe shy - not one to make a noise or be loud or have people looking at them or seeking attention; or introverted, needing time to think and process and work through things before offering anything verbally.
Sometimes I remain silent because I just can't find the right words to say what's needed - it takes me longer to think through and formulate a considered response. And by then, the moment may have passed.
Sometimes I may appear calm, but that can occasionally be because my red-head is about to explode and it's ugly and I know that I need to settle down before I say anything that hurts or cuts people nearby.
I think only a fool would ever mistake kindness for weakness; kindness is the most beautiful and basic of human considerations, and is the perfect response so often.
I think 'anonymous' was wise here - we often under-estimate people because they may be quiet, or shy and in doing so, we miss their strengths and gifts.
A hard quote to illustrate, and I ended up here. Partly because Buddha is kind, often silent and calm.
This was one of my favourite pieces at MONA (Museum of Old and New Art) in Hobart when we visited last year. The artist had gathered up loads and loads and loads of burnt incense from temples; then filled a mould of buddha, seated like this, with the incense, really compressed it, and then released the mould. The impermanent piece was gradually falling apart, in a large, dark room and was simply stunning. It was much taller than me.
It took my breath away.
Anonymous
I read this quote and said "Yes".
I have kept it near me, never sure when I would be ready to say anything about it, but today it popped out of the list and into my blog post, so I figure it's time. As I thought about it, it came to me that one of the reasons I resonated with it, is because maybe it is talking about introverts.
I asked myself who would say this? What sort of person are you? Being the ubiquitous 'anonymous' I couldn't go searching and researching them. In the end I felt they were maybe shy - not one to make a noise or be loud or have people looking at them or seeking attention; or introverted, needing time to think and process and work through things before offering anything verbally.
Sometimes I remain silent because I just can't find the right words to say what's needed - it takes me longer to think through and formulate a considered response. And by then, the moment may have passed.
Sometimes I may appear calm, but that can occasionally be because my red-head is about to explode and it's ugly and I know that I need to settle down before I say anything that hurts or cuts people nearby.
I think only a fool would ever mistake kindness for weakness; kindness is the most beautiful and basic of human considerations, and is the perfect response so often.
I think 'anonymous' was wise here - we often under-estimate people because they may be quiet, or shy and in doing so, we miss their strengths and gifts.
A hard quote to illustrate, and I ended up here. Partly because Buddha is kind, often silent and calm.
This was one of my favourite pieces at MONA (Museum of Old and New Art) in Hobart when we visited last year. The artist had gathered up loads and loads and loads of burnt incense from temples; then filled a mould of buddha, seated like this, with the incense, really compressed it, and then released the mould. The impermanent piece was gradually falling apart, in a large, dark room and was simply stunning. It was much taller than me.
It took my breath away.
A wonderful quote. I agree with your thoughts that it must have been an introvert who said it, about introverts. Reading it brought back memories where I've been accused of all 3, simply because of my quietness. Funny as well to remember the looks on the accusers faces once I spoke and explained my actions.
ReplyDeleteIt also brought to mind a quote attributed to Abraham Lincoln
"Better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak and remove all doubt."
Perhaps the world would be more peaceful if introverts were in charge...quieter too.
I agree wholeheartedly with everything you say J - thanks. And I have to smile at that quote - how very very true!
Deleteyes. it may be that blogging is an appropriate forum for us introverts. it may be all we can do some days because the interactions we are obligated to are such hard work. i sent a difficult email this morning, naming the bullying behavior of someone i'm doing business with; even that was a hard thing to do because i wanted the words to be accurate. this buddha is powerful.
ReplyDeleteSo true V - quiet written words just seem so much easier - it can be so hard to manage our interactions without things getting muddled and confused. That buddha was amazing.
DeleteThis quote and what you have written about yourself I can totally relate to.
ReplyDeleteThanks Debbie - it is a really good reminder for me not to judge others as well - perhaps they have a reason for staying quiet...
DeleteThis week's quote really resonates with me but, even more so, so did each of the points you made in your personal response to it... I wish I could elaborate, but no words are forthcoming right now other than, "yes, yes & yes."
ReplyDeleteIt's certainly an interesting exercise to contemplate the traits/character of "Anonymous" (being that so much wisdom comes from this collective yet complex/multifaceted entity)...and odd to have these words, but no other reference point. Maybe this allows the wisdom to have more relevance to each of us?
Thanks Lisa - I get that. It's nice to know that some of our experiences are shared ones, and that others travel the same path we do at times. I love your pondering on anonymous! How very true that the lack of context may allow it to appear more pertinent and relevant...go well.
DeleteThank you, Fiona. To your quote, and to your thoughtful post, I too, say "Yes!"
ReplyDeleteThanks Carol - I'm pleased the thoughts reached out to your 'yes'!
DeleteI echoe Arzigogolare's yes yes & yes. A beautiful quote and the incense buddha is perfect to illustrate your post. It must have been amazing to stand in a darkened room near to this piece. A goosebump moment, I'm sure.
ReplyDeleteIt was a very special Robyn - very powerful.
DeleteIt's good to know that others resonate with the quote and thoughts too - go well.
A perfect quote to find me in my hermitage today.... where I might not speak with anyone but the cat and a few birds. And that Buddha... wow!
ReplyDeleteI hope you had a happy hermitage day Valerianna, and I'm glad you enjoyed the quote.
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