I first experienced the sound of silence on top of Table Mountain in Cape Town. Before then it had just been the title of a song. Once on top of the mountain I was struck by how strange sounds seemed. Voices seemed to be muted and far away, similar to being in an office that has white sound.

And then it came to me…this is what silence must sound like. Even though there were other people present, it enveloped me, like a physical cloak. I looked down at the city and ocean far below me, teeming with movement, but no sound came up to me. It felt like watching a silent movie where the actors’ lips move, but no sound comes out.

It was so peaceful. I long to experience it again.