I've been thinking for a while about the modes people can be in, where I define "mode" as a general configuration of yourself toward yourself, and also to the world; and what gives rise to these different modes, and what are their consequences.

It's taken a remarkably long time to start to figure this out.

I mention it because the day of silence sounds incredible, but you might begin even more gently, and pay attention to what you're doing (even in moments when it doesn't feel like you're doing anything) and what the consequences of that are.

For instance, I have become more and more convinced that something powerful happens when I consume other people's thoughts, on SN or anywhere. Reading people's thoughts and opinions puts me in a certain mode; and different ways of them expressing themselves has very different consequences. When they're contemptful, forceful, un-nuanced, hostile, it does something to me, even when none of it is directed my way. Likewise when they are kind. And many other flavors besides.

A day of "silence" could include not talking, and you'd probably notice some interesting stuff -- I'm sure you would. But there are probably other things just as extreme, or more extreme, to be noticed. What happens if you smile at someone, and they smile back? What happens if you listen really hard and try to make them feel listened to? What happens if you pet a stranger's dog? What happens if silence includes silencing yourself, to yourself?

I feel like I'm only at the beginning, but maybe that it's finally the right beginning.