Tomorrow, I will be going on a three day silent retreat; it will be the first time that I will be staying a couple of days. So far, I have ‘only’ experienced one day at a time. The most intriguing thing for me is not the fact that there will be no speaking; nor is it the fact that I will be alone with myself, looking deeply into what lies beyond the conscious mind. No, it is that I will be sharing my room with somebody I don’t know and I won’t get to know as we don’t speak.
Usually I like company and as a student I have always enjoyed these moments of sharing a room or an apartment with people. This time though, it will be different as there will be no ‘getting to know each other’. It will simply be a matter of non-judging, and adapting an appreciative attitude towards the other person for a couple of days. Well, this might be part of the experience but it still sounds a little ‘frightening’ to me!
I am almost certain that I will encounter some reluctance to stay focused and it will be interesting to see how I will deal with these moments of ambiguity and uncertainty. I am sure though that the experience will make me grow and allow me to re-charge my batteries at the end of this year.
2013 has indeed been full of action and change. The road ahead is not yet 100% clear but the mist is starting to lift, like clouds hanging on the mountains and finally disappearing. I wonder what three days of silence will bring… definitely some rest and centeredness!
“The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it.” Thích Nhất Hạnh
Pingback: Challenging Myself: A Mindfulness Retreat | Min...
Pingback: Challenging Myself: A Mindfulness Retreat | Lea...
Before life changed, I attended weekly Quaker meetings (“friends church”). These were “un-programmed” (silent) meetings. I was surprised by how well I was able to get to know people without ever speaking to them. There is a deep connection beyond words.
I envy your retreat and wish you the best with this experience.
Alice
Hi Alice, I tried to pay attention to this, i.e. getting to know the people even without speaking. I am sure that intuition is right most of the time, indeed! IT was great to simply ‘be’ without people knowing who I am, what I do, where I come from… simply be in the present moment, enjoying the guided meditations, walks, rest and silence. Funnily enough, the women in my room had a completely different rhythm than me, i.e. she got up even earlier than we had to (before 6), was directly awake, put on the light etc. Whereas me, I am not a morning person, I skipped the early yoga and arrived right on time at 7, when I had to be there, refusing to open my eyes before 🙂 and yet, we got along as there was mutual respect and trust. Great experience and I feel very much energized now! I will definitely do something like that again!