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Absolute Silence

02:18 / 30.03.02

I'd like to try living in silence for a period of time. But the problem is that I don't know of any silent places. Stimulation is everywhere. Outside seems like a pretty noisy place, whether I'm in civilization or out in nature.

Now I'm not sure how long I want to deprive myself of hearing (I figured I'd go with darkness at the same time). I want my mind to really feel the effects that sensory deprivation can do, but I don't want to go crazy. I probably won't be able to shut out all light, but I should be able to come close. But how close can I come to absolute silence, and how could I do it? I keep thinking of padding the walls and ceiling with convoluted foam (The kind some people use on their beds). But maybe this wouldn't have much of an effect given the cost, so I could just maybe wear earplugs? And if a little bit of sound gets in, that might be acceptable.

It'll be some time before I get around to doing this, but I'm starting the planning now.

Any advice is appreciated.

04:43 / 30.03.02

Have you heard of sensory deprivation tanks. I don't know much about the subject but I do know that there used to be a lot of universities doing research into their effects. I've always thought universities are the best places for great drugs and the like...

Also I think there may even be commercial interest. Eg, some companies offering the service these days. If you live in a large city it may be worth checking out.

Also time in sensory dep. probably slows down a great deal. So you may not have to go for days. Always a good idea to test the water first.

A friend of mine didn't speak for a week or two a few years ago. It certainly dispensed with uncomfortable social silence.

Tucker Tripp

09:59 / 30.03.02

Probably sounds silly, but lightless, soundless places that spring instantly to mind are recording studios. Just a cheapo demo studio would do the trick, as long as you made sure you wouldn't be interrupted. If you explained your reasons they may even let you have the space for a pittance (or free) during dead times.

15:23 / 01.04.02

Here.

I plan to build one sometime....

15:25 / 01.04.02

Oh, and currently I'm soundproofing a room I'm going to use for a studio. acoustic tile on "faring strips" - that is, 2x2 planks to raise them off the walls. It's the empty space under them that you really need.

building baffles (removable soundproofing units for windows and door) will be a challenge, but fun.

- g

19:56 / 02.04.02

Get those headphones which cover up the ear like a cup. Cut off he plug, put them on.

Now fill a bathtub with water and make up some ingenious breathing apparatus and climb inside with the headphones on. Do this with a sitter in case anything goes wrong.

00:02 / 04.04.02

You could look into monastic orders - either Christian or Buddhist. I believe that Buddhist monsasteries often allow people in for short periods of time. Some Christian religious orders are specifically silent. If nothing else it might give you some ideas.