How come sometimes silence seems peaceful and healing and sometimes deafening and morbid?

Answer 1

I'd like to try to answer with a couple of images, if I may...

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Outside, a hush fell upon the moors under the soft blanket of the newly fallen snow, while inside my love and I settled down comfortably by the warm glow of the hearth, snug in our wool blanket, content to lay there in each others arms, without a care.. only the soft little noises from the fire.. and a soft whisper of a happy sigh.. a sigh softer and sweeter than any song.. so lost in love..that a hush fell on the world...

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On August 6, 1945, at approximately 8:15 a.m. Hiroshima time the Enola Gay released "Little Boy," its 9,700-pound uranium bomb, over the city. Forty-three seconds later, a huge explosion lit the morning sky as Little Boy detonated 1,900 feet above the city...

On the ground moments before the blast it was a calm and sunny Monday morning.

Those closest to the explosion died instantly, their bodies turned to black char. Nearby birds burst into flames in mid-air, and dry, combustible materials such as paper instantly ignited as far away as 6,400 feet from ground zero. The white light acted as a giant flashbulb, burning the dark patterns of clothing onto skin and the shadows of bodies onto walls.

Survivors outdoors close to the blast describe a literally blinding light combined with a sudden and overwhelming wave of heat. The blast wave followed almost instantly for those close-in, often knocking them from their feet.

Those that were indoors were usually spared the flash burns, but flying glass from broken windows filled most rooms, and all but the very strongest structures collapsed. One boy was blown through the windows of his house and across the street as the house collapsed behind him.

Within minutes, 9 out of 10 people half a mile or less from ground zero were dead.
....

On this calm, peaceful Monday morning, serenity vanished in a blinding flash of light, and then Hiroshima was silent under a blanket of charred ash as the black rain began to fall...

Answer 2

If one doesn't want to be alone then the silence seems deafening and morbid. If one isn't used to being alone and then is thrown into aloneness silence can be deafening and morbid.

When one wants the solitude of silence to rationalize problems/answers then the peaceful sound of silence is healing.

Answer 3

Silence is generaly associated with meditation that is the ultimate form of relaxation hence it can be peaceful and healing cos "you get the chance to come home to yourself" to be one with your inner self hence peaceful/healing.When silence is deafening is when you meet some1 you don't know and you not sure what they think and they seem very quiet.Their facial expressions speak volumes then silence can be morbid.When there's lots to say and no-one wants to say it:deafening.Often happens with relationships girlfriends or wives mostly.

Answer 4

Well, for me, it depends on my mood and what I am doing. If I have been in chaotic noise all day, silence is good for a change. Or if I am stressed and/or have a headache. But if I am lonely, or bored, I need at least some soft music in the background. Silence can be lonely. Music can set a mood and keep you company, as can the TV. And I think a lot of us have grown up with noise in our environments, so it is "normal."

Answer 5

silence draws its energy with what is happening and what people are thinking..
at times of disaster and problems silence reflects distress and all other things associated.
when a majority are happy in a place silence has a better aura..

silence is always healing...under all the conditions..Think of the situation without silence you will understand

Answer 6

An insightful question!!

It depends on the expectations and needs of the time and the context!! When the context and expectations are right, silence can be much more powerful than any words. And if not right, silence can be much more powerful than any other stifling actions.

Answer 7

Depends on the state of mind and circumstances.

Answer 8

Because it isn't the silence. it is the person in that silence that makes the mood.

Answer 9

Both, depending on life circumstances and what is going on in your head emotionally.

Answer 10

Wow what a great question.Personally I guess it depends on how I'm feeling,the mood I'm in.♥