Shawn Achor, writing in the July issue of Success Magazine (which I highly recommend subscribing to) had this to say about the Silent Treatment:
“Neuroscientists have found that monks who spend years in quiet meditation actually grow their brains (the prefrontal cortex), like an athlete builds biceps.
Don’t worry-you don’t have to spend years in a sequestered, celibate silence to experience a boost. Take just 5 minutes each day to watch your breath go in and out…Meditation is one of the most powerful happiness interventions. Studies show that in the minutes right after meditating, we experience feelings of calm and contentment, as well as heightened awareness and empathy. And research even shows that regular meditation can permanently rewire the brain to raise levels of happiness, lower stress and even improve immune function.”
I started out several years ago doing just 5 minutes a day of quiet sitting in a chair, and gradually added 5 minutes a day over the years until I reached 30 minutes, which is what I do now every day. And I must agree with his conclusions, I am much more relaxed, calm, and happy when I’m done meditating, as well as throughout the entire day (just ask my wife!). So try it and let me know what you experience for yourself.