The question I had in mind was silent retreat vs: laryngitis - any difference? Well, a silent retreat is far more pleasant! No ill symptoms, everyone else is as non-communicative as you (so no sense of missing out) and you know your voice is there should you want it! There was something familiar about the cosy blanket of silence and for the first few days I was loving it. It felt like a vacation and I was enjoying the peace and me-time. I felt very joyous and expansive. As my one team-mate (who is doing a degree in contemplative studies) said: the goal of meditation is to show you that everythign you need for your joy is within you and that you can not rely on externals for your happiness. Sounds good and matches my beliefs! However, sitting still for more than 20 mins on a cushion is not my style. I've come to the conclusion that I need to involve my body to drop down into deep inner peace. There was a great yoga class every afternoon which made me soooo happy!
By Sat am, I felt ready to re-enter the world. On the whole, it was a good experience and a nice way to "hang out" with myself (something I realised I'd not done much of these past 8 weeks).
This week, we have another silent retreat going on as well as a yoga teacher training course, so half the campus is in silence - this feels like a nice way to be - so i can dip into both silence and sociability!!
It's been intensely hot today and I'm ready to flake!
Other cool happenings: saw a giant porcupine yesterday (i thought it was a bear cub initially because of its size) - had a really beautiful, soulful rosh chodesh gathering (this is a women's only event to welcome in the new moon and the new month). The lady leading it (who is also my manager) is great and created such a beautiful space for us all both physically (with candles etc) and emotionally (everyone is eagerly awaiting next month!!)
It's been over a month now since I left the UK. On my silent wak to the rosh chodesh gathering, I was going over all the newness that this past month has brought me - and what a rich month it's been.
Love to you from the semi-silent zone.
Sam xox
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I just can't imagine an entire week of silence! How wonderful it sounds...ha ha ha I do like to have silent mornings for about an hour after I rise, and that is absolutely delicious!
Tim and I returned from Lancaster a couple weeks ago. It had turned winter again in jolly England and I brought back a very English cold. Over that now...Whew! But the countryside was beautiful, the people friendly, the Masters program is exactly what I'd hoped for, but unfortunately, will not be taking it up.
Next up will be finding a new job and probably moving back to the Denver area in the next couple of months. Beyond that? I dunno....Acupulco is sounding very nice; perhaps a winter retreat...hmmmm
Enjoy the woods, silence, and the critters!
Love to You!
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