Can our minds become a place where restlessness slowly transforms into silence? At times, our thoughts, emotions, and awareness build up like overlapping waves. Could that mental intensity eventually give way to stillness? Is silence simply an absence, or is it a passage into a deeper state of being?
We can explore this question through both literature and science. Portuguese writer Fernando Pessoa believed restlessness was woven into the fabric of existence. As he once wrote, “Every moment of my life has been spent not living myself.” This statement is not just a bleak confession, but also a form of profound self-awareness. Recent psychological research describes restlessness as a possible sign of a highly alert and conscious mind.
The Silence in the Brain: Understanding the Pineal Gland
Certain structures within the brain resonate with this idea of inner silence. One of the most fascinating is the pineal gland. Tucked deep within the brain and shaped like a tiny pine cone, it plays a vital role in our biological rhythms. It produces melatonin and works in harmony with the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) to regulate our internal clock, helping the body align with cycles of light and dark.
However, its role may extend beyond the physical. Some believe the pineal gland influences our awareness and spiritual perception. It activates in darkness, much like how we turn inward during quiet reflection. Across cultures, it is often referred to as the “third eye,” a symbol of inner vision and intuitive insight. Its pine cone shape appears in ancient art and architecture as a sign of awakening.
Seeing Through the Third Eye: Pessoa’s Inner World
Understanding how the pineal gland functions helps illuminate the shadowed, introspective world Pessoa reveals in The Book of Disquiet. Simple daily practices, restful sleep, morning sunlight, moments of quiet, and meditation can support its function. These habits may not erase restlessness, but they can make it more bearable—even meaningful.
Meditation, in particular, helps regulate melatonin and serotonin, key hormones tied to emotional balance and mental clarity.
Engaging in silence allows us to observe our thoughts, reconnect with ourselves, and gain perspective. Pessoa frequently returned to themes of unease and existential searching. When he wrote, “My restlessness is my essence,” he gave voice to the idea that this discomfort is not something to flee from, but something to understand.
Restlessness, like the pineal gland, may be most alive in the dark. Pessoa’s reflections, combined with the calming effects of meditation and the body’s internal rhythm, show us that states of consciousness are layered and dynamic.
Silence may be the path hidden within our restlessness. As Pessoa said, “To be nothing is to be the beginning of everything.” Sometimes transformation begins only after we allow ourselves to be still. And in that stillness, silence reveals its power.
How Can We Bring Silence Into Everyday Life?
Finding peace doesn’t begin by changing the outside world; it begins by tuning into our inner one. Pessoa’s writings, the pineal gland’s quiet intelligence, and the grounding nature of meditation all point us toward the same question: How connected are we to our own silence?
Here are a few effective ways to start:
-
Regular Sleep: Make space for deep, consistent sleep in a dark environment. This helps the pineal gland produce melatonin and maintain healthy rhythms. Avoiding screens before bed supports this process.
-
Morning Sunlight: A short walk in early daylight can reset the body’s natural clock and lift our mood. Even sitting by a sunny window can help.
-
Quiet Moments: Step away from noise and screens during the day. Let your mind breathe. These pauses clear mental clutter and nurture self-awareness.
-
Deep Breathing: Practice slow, full breaths from the diaphragm. This not only soothes the nervous system but also supports hormonal balance and emotional calm.
-
Letting the Mind Wander: Allow your thoughts to drift freely in still moments. Daydreaming can open doors to creativity and help you connect with your inner self.
A Final Look at Deep Silence
Mental silence is not emptiness; it is a deeper presence. Pessoa’s restlessness makes sense within this context. Even amid chaos, a quiet awareness can rise. Just as the pineal gland aligns the body with the rhythm of the earth, silence and meditation help us align with the rhythm of our minds.
Each of us may discover a kind of “third eye” within—not to observe the world outside, but to witness the stillness within. And perhaps, after all the noise, that is where true peace waits.
Reference
Fernando Pessoa, The Book of Disquiet. Translated by Margaret Jull Costa, edited by Jerónimo Pizarro. New York: New Directions, 2017.