The Unexpected Power of Silence: From Artistic Expression to Mental Well-being

Silence: A Sound of Many Meanings In a short video produced by Teleexpress TVP, the concept of silence is examined from various angles, moving beyond its simple definition as the absence of sound. The video opens by mentioning John Cage's famous composition 4'33", a piece solely based on silence, emphasizing its artistic potential. The piece highlights how silence itself can be interpreted and experienced as a form of art. Janusz Ciepliński, director of the Warmińsko-Mazurska Philharmonic in Olsztyn, is interviewed, adding an expert perspective on the use of silence in musical composition. He states, "Musicians not only know how silence sounds, but also how it looks on the sheet music." This underscores the deliberate and planned nature of silence in musical performances. However, the video also contrasts this artistic view with the experience of silence in radio broadcasting. Izabela Malewska, a journalist at Radio Olsztyn, shares that silence on the radio is a cause for alarm. "Silence in radio is terrifying," she explains, "it's a sign, a signal that something is wrong." This highlights the functional and often anxiety-inducing aspect of silence in professional broadcasting. The video concludes with a psychologist, Juliusz Dumara, emphasizing the importance of seeking moments of silence for mental well-being in our noisy world. He notes the overwhelming amount of stimuli we face daily and advocates for incorporating periods of quietude into our lives. This offers a balanced perspective, encompassing both the artistic and psychological aspects of silence. The video ultimately promotes the importance of appreciating silence, whether as a creative tool or a necessary component of mental health and well-being.