Silence is not an end in itself but a means to something greater. Silence is compatible with action. It cannot remain empty and must be filled with something more, such as prayer, the study of Divine Revelation, or prayerful work. God is infinitely silent and infinitely active. All depends on Him.
Silence is compatible with joy.
Silence should make us joyful. It is a bad sign when silence makes us sad, when we begin meditating on the complaints of our fallen nature instead of on God and His infinite love. Our Blessed Mother is the singular and most perfect example of Christian silence. Only a few of her words are preserved. United always with God, her eyes and heart were open to the needs of others.