The Power of Silence: Protecting Our Energy and Our Words

The Power of Silence: Protecting Our Energy and Our Words

By Kateb Nuri-Alim Shunnar

There is an ancient saying: “Do not cast your pearls before swine.” It’s more than just a motto  it’s a spiritual truth that remains just as relevant today as it ever was. This wisdom teaches us an important lesson: not every disagreement is worth having, not every person is worth debating, and sometimes the healthiest option for our own well-being is simply to keep the peace.

We all have moments when we feel the urge to speak our minds. But what if, instead of speaking, we listened? What if we refrained from engaging, conserving our energy instead? It’s much like arguing with someone whose energy is at rock bottom. How can you expect that person to absorb your words? It’s like planting seeds in dry, rocky soil. No matter how much care you pour into the seed, it won’t grow. The earth is too harsh to nourish it. Similarly, trying to engage with someone who isn’t ready to hear or understand might leave you feeling drained. It leaves you exhausted, discouraged, and even more enmeshed in negativity, while the other person walks away unchanged, perhaps even more stubbornly entrenched in their views.

But here's an important reminder: our thoughts, our words, and our energy  they are sacred. Pearls. They are not meant to be thrown around recklessly. When we speak from an honest, loving place, we are offering something precious, something worth holding onto. Even for someone who isn’t ready to hear, sharing our concerns can be like casting pearls into the mud. They might not recognize their worth. Worse, they might trample on them, leaving us with scars and still searching for meaning.

There’s a big lesson here: we all grow at different paces, and we vibrate at different frequencies. It’s all too easy for those caught in cycles of frustration, negativity, or misunderstanding to remain stuck. They’re simply not in a place to hear what we have to say, no matter how true or important our message is. Arguing with them does nothing but give them more attention, keeping them stuck in their low vibration, and dragging us down into the muck with them. We’re not suggesting we should avoid difficult conversations altogether. However, we must be discerning about when to engage and when to step back.

In those moments, silence can speak volumes. There is a certain power in choosing not to argue. It’s not weakness, nor is it silence born of fear; it’s about guarding our peace. The energy we carry is sacred, and we must respect it for what it is. Constantly fighting losing battles risks stretching our energies too thin. We run the risk of forgetting just how precious our energy truly is. Refusing to engage doesn’t mean we abandon our voice; it means we save it for a better time, a better place, and a more open heart.

Let’s be clear: walking away from a draining conversation is not weakness   it’s self-respect. It’s acknowledging our limits and respecting them. It’s choosing ourselves, choosing our peace, and saying, “This is not the space where I can thrive.” And that’s okay. It doesn’t mean we don’t care about the other person, nor does it make us conflict-avoidant. It simply means we are prioritizing our well-being in a world that often demands more from us than we can give.

This doesn’t mean dodging uncomfortable realities or avoiding a fight when it’s necessary. But not every moment is the right moment for every conversation. Sometimes, the most appropriate action is to say nothing at all. Give the other person the space to work through their own process. Trust that the Creator is leading them, just as He is leading us. We are not responsible for other people’s wants or needs. We can offer our counsel without forcing it upon them.

So, when the impulse to argue, explain, or prove your point arises   stop. Take a breath. Ask yourself: Is this exchange really worth my energy? Will my words fall on fertile ground, or am I casting pearls to the wind? Sometimes, the wisest course is to remain silent, to save our energy for those who will appreciate it, and to have faith that our silence can be just as powerful as any argument.

By guarding our energy, we protect our peace and give others the space to grow without unsolicited energy being thrown their way. In those quiet moments, where we stand firm in our own strength, we connect with the divine. We honor that divine within ourselves and others. We choose to vibrate at a higher frequency, above the noise, and grounded in our truth.