When to Shut Up

There is wisdom in silence.

The tour guides who took us through some of history's greatest monuments and artistic masterpieces, had so much knowledge and information, it was as if they couldn't slow the train of thought down enough for us to compute what we had just learned.

Multiple times I had to take my earpiece out, as the tour guide with microphone continued to jabber their PhD worth of genius, in order to have a moment of quiet alone with the surroundings and my own thought.

It was the final tour guide, Ennio, who understood the assignment and power of being silent.

We were briefed for nearly 3 hours about what we were to witness as we sauntered through hallways of artwork: the sacred and complex Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, next to Rome, Italy, where no photos and little talking was allowed. This is, after all, where each pope is decided upon by cardinals in debate and spiritual election, holding the historic papal conclave, as the world watches and waits for black or white smoke to emerge.

As we craned our necks to view the ceiling that changed the world, we enjoyed perfect silence, having our own special moment with artwork that has inspired even the harshest critics over centuries.

The tour guide knew when to shut up, and it was perfect to listen solely to our own thoughts and hearts, in contemplation of the accomplishment above us.

Turning heavenward for enlightenment, eyes up to be inspired, many symbols come from all that we witnessed and experienced, not lost on us that we viewed Michelangelo's promise that lives on 500 years after his work was completed.

To finish a painting, sculpture, or fresco, you need to know when to stop and let the art speak for itself.

To wrap up a book, create a web site, present a performance or speech, knowing where the words should end is as artful as sharing all you know.

The tour guide who fills you with information, history, and appreciation, is only a master when they keep the promise to be quiet and let you think, all while viewing history's greatest human accomplishments.

Ennio nailed it on our tour.

Whether it is a tour of ancient relics, the latest social media frenzy where everyone needs to weigh in, or a family member bringing up politics at Thanksgiving dinner...choose to salvage the relationship, keep the Promise when possible, and remember the power of knowing when to shut up.

~ Jason Hewlett

Husband, Father, Writer, Mentor, Hiker

• Speaker Hall of Fame Award-Winning Entertainer Mentor
• World’s Only Keynote Speaker utilizing entertainment, musical impressions, and comedy to teach The Promise
• Author of “The Promise To The One”
• President of Cardio Miracle.  Go to CardioMiracle.com to take your health back! Use coupon code HEW2024 for 15% OFF your order (NOT an MLM).

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