You’re leaving work and catch the elevator down to the main entrance. You stop at the next floor and an acquaintance joins you, so you offer some small talk to get through the ride. Suddenly you are out of things to say and so are they. You start counting down the seconds until the elevator doors open and you are freed from this moment. It’s the silence that gets you, that makes you feel so uncomfortable you would rather be anywhere else.

But why are we so afraid of silence? Erling Kagge, lifetime adventurer and author of Silence in the Age of Noise, has written on the importance of silence in our daily lives while pointing out how few of us actually experience it. It is something that many people actively avoid, even though it can be very beneficial.

In an interview following the release of his book, Kagge states, “I think it is important to keep in mind that the silence I experience is different to everyone else’s. When I talk about the silence within, what you meet there is yourself. To meet yourself is one of the toughest things to do in life and that is also why it is so important, because if you get through all the noise then you also let other people slip through. You are running away from yourself.”

Silence allows for introspection, reflection and can help you destress. He points out that in moments of silence we are able to focus on ourselves, our personal thoughts and can get to know who we are. The thought is a scary one for most, leading to people choosing constant social interaction or media consumption as a replacement.

Silence doesn’t have to be you sitting alone with your thoughts. As Kagge says, experiencing silence is different from person to person. You can choose how to incorporate silence into your day. Your experience with silence can include anything you want, from reading to meditation, listening to music, cross stitching or whatever gives your brain room to wander. The more time you spend in silence the more you will grow to appreciate it. Those moments will become a much-needed respite for your body and spirit. In the midst of our digital age where there is always something to do and somewhere to be, allow yourself to enjoy the peaceful moments of silence.