Attending a Silent Retreat – My experience
When I started meditating 50 years ago, I was in an intimate group setting in a church chapel with experienced teachers, and thought I would keep meditating forever. Little did I know that “life” would get in my way. I got married, had children and raised them, had a job teaching school…and like most of us, quiet time was seemingly unavailable to me.
The reentry into meditation was difficult – I can’t lie. They told me to sit quietly and follow my breath, or repeat a mantra, or watch a candle…all that did for me was make me think about my neighbor mowing his grass or would the candle catch on fire! Then I was invited by a friend in yoga class to a 5 day silent retreat and I jumped at the chance. It was eye opening to say the least (including the 3rd eye😊
It was like most silent retreats – you arrive and can talk with your roommate and even at supper that night before your lips are zipped and you are sworn to silence, well, asked to be silent for the rest of the retreat.
It would be impossible to repeat all of the good things that came from that silent time. I could tell you about eye contact and how you did get to notice how others moved about. I could also tell you about time outside in walking meditation and the time I saw 1000’s of butterflies come over the mountain and had no one to tell! It was awesome, as I felt reconnected with my soul purpose and so close to everyone there that I didn’t even know. We shared something special.
I can say now, that after a number of retreats, everyone is different but also the same. Every time I am challenged but relieved to be away from the fervor of everyday life but also excited upon reentry to practice my newly sharpened skills around non-duality and loving kindness.
One of my favorite retreats ever was with the Spiritual Director of Flowering Lotus, the Ven. Pannavati Bhikkhuni who will be returning to Flowering Lotus October 11-13. Here is the link to learn more…I’ll be there! Hope to see you too. https://www.floweringlotusmeditation.org/
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