There is power in quieting down.

You might've heard the age-old adage: silence is golden. But in today's hyper-connected, constantly buzzing world, silence isn't just golden; it's revolutionary. And it's time to rediscover its value.

Rethinking the Noise

Our team recently collaborated with Rally, a flagship global innovation conference here in Indianapolis, to set up a dedicated quiet space for thousands of attendees and presenters.

There is power in quieting down. You might’ve heard of the age-old adage: silence is golden. But in today’s hyper-connected, constantly buzzing world, silence isn’t just golden; it’s revolutionary. Our team recently collaborated with @rallyinnovation to set up a dedicated quiet space for thousands of attendees and presenters. Amid the storm of insights, energetic networking, and hum of innovation, there was a simultaneous, underlying quest - a need for moments of quietude. This dichotomy isn’t isolated to one event. It reflects a broader trend where our most innovative ideas can sometime spring from our quietest moments. #quiet #mentalhealth #workplacedesign #shhhhh

Amid the storm of insights, energetic networking, and hum of innovation, there was a simultaneous, underlying quest—a need for moments of quietude. This dichotomy isn't isolated to one event. It reflects a broader trend where our most innovative ideas can sometimes spring from our quietest moments.

Many organizations wear 'busyness' as a badge of honor. Yet, there's growing evidence to suggest that the most profound insights don't emerge from constant hustle but from moments of reflection.

Open offices, initially considered critical to collaboration, now face scrutiny. Not because the concept is flawed, but because its execution often is.

Looking at the workspace evolution, we see differing preferences: from the demand for private workspaces in the 1980s to the embrace of open collaborative spaces in the 1990s. Today, as we delve deeper into understanding human psychology and productivity, the pendulum swings toward balancing both in a flexible, hybrid way.

The idea behind quietude isn't about retreating into isolation but rather recognizing the profound power of chosen solitude—an intentional detachment, be it for deep work, introspection, or simply recharging.

For those who crave quiet, luckily organizations are catching on. Take Salesforce and their meditation rooms or Steelcase's collaboration with Susan Cain. They’re not just designing spaces; they're sculpting environments conducive to both innovation and introspection.

This renaissance of silence isn't limited to the corporate world. Urban landscapes, too, are undergoing a silent transformation. Tokyo's meditative Zen gardens and New York’s quaint pocket parks exemplify this shift. Imagine cities where tranquility isn't an exception but an integral feature, offering both a respite from and a counterpoint to the urban soundscape.

But there's more at stake than personal well-being. These oases of calm have ripple effects: fostering biodiversity, strengthening community ties, and nurturing intellectual growth.

In a world that often drowns in its own noise, the emerging commitment to quietude is deeply felt. The power of silence isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential.

Let’s get quiet

What else is happening in the world of mental health

• Naomi Osaka and Michael Phelps discuss importance of mental health at this year’s US Open

• Yale students advocate for mental health policy change

• Jill Biden visits Indianapolis high school students to discuss mental health awareness

Join us in the movement to change minds about mental health

1. Share this newsletter (and subscribe if you haven’t already!)

2. Join us in Slack

3. Bring quiet space to your org

That’s all for now.

Until next time, please share with your friends and fam! And reach out below to let us know what you’d like to hear about this month.

Meg + the Here fam