Article October 14, 2013 Issue

Undisturbed by noise

Monica Karal

Originally written in French, this article was first published in the August 2013 French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish editions of The Herald of Christian Science.

Perhaps you live in a part of town that’s a haven of tranquility, where you’re never bothered by noise of any kind. But that is not the case for everyone. Many have to deal with unpleasant noise in their environment, whether they work in a loud factory or live beside railroad tracks. You may live with someone who watches television with the volume turned up full blast when you’re trying to sleep. Or you may have co-workers who talk loudly beside your office while you’re trying to work. Whatever the source of unwanted noise, its consequences may include irritability, insomnia, conflicts, concentration problems at work or school, and a loss of your natural peace and joy.

Fortunately, there’s a spiritual solution to the problem of noise. In the Bible, God promises us that “the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places” (Isaiah 32:17, 18). This is welcome reassurance that when our goal in life is to live righteously, in accord with divine Love, our days are filled with serenity and joy.

When I moved into my current home in a “quiet” neighborhood several years ago, I really had to think deeply about these ideas because there were all kinds of noises that I frankly hadn’t anticipated. Roaring lawn mowers, yapping dogs, pounding music next door, and the noise of construction projects in the neighborhood threatened to invade the environment where I had hoped to live and work in peace.