An outside inspiration, if you have ever heard of Penn and Teller, Teller never speaks during magical performances. By not speaking, there is an interesting relationship to your own mind, to the story that you tell yourself, and how you focus. By not speaking, you remove the “redundant patter” of conversations.
Ever since going to the QuanAm NamHai Monastery, I have noticed that I did not to say anything at all to create a peaceful relationship with others. This includes those on campus, those at the ISKON temple that I frequently visit, strangers outside, and even the homeless. Sometimes I give a brief prayer-bow and the interaction back is a silent but beautiful response.
By not speaking, you hear more. You hear your own mind. You learn that to make yourself miserable, you only need to hear yourself. If you are at a moment of peace, you try your absolute best to create your own problems. Becoming aware of this is amazing.
Charlie Tran 