“Silence is the language of god, all else is poor translation.” – Rumi
These days, when I think of silence my whole system – mind, body and spirit – responds quickly. Silence has worked its way into my life, becoming such a strong trigger that I only have to think of it to feel a longing.
I wasn’t always this way about silence.
Years ago, as I prepared to go to my first 4 day silent retreat I wondered at what had compelled me to sign up. I’d gone to visit the retreat centre with a friend; just to keep her company really, yet I was the one to say yes.
In the beginning, the silence was threatening. The first 24 hours of that long ago retreat were so challenging. Without my voice, the internal chatter got really loud; so loud I thought I’d made a mistake, that I was losing my mind.
But by the middle of the second day, an interesting thing happened. Space began to appear in my mind – calm, clear space, like nothing I’d ever experienced before – and I returned home rested, feeling more creative than ever, ideas and possibilities in abundance.
And I was hooked, just like that.
“Silence is sometimes the best answer.” – Dalai Lama
Fast forward fifteen years. . .
I now crave silence, finding it to be the best self-care practice – and believe me, I’ve tried many.
My preference is to attend one or two retreats a year, but when that’s not possible I fit it into my schedule however I can.
Sometimes it’s to unplug phones and technology once I’m done with clients for the day. Other times, I choose a 2 day block of time and sort out my schedule accordingly; no clients, no conversations, nothing. It’s not as effective as my retreats away but it does the job in a pinch.
So what’s my relationship to silence?
That of a lover always longing for more.
Inspired by Danielle LaPorte’s Burning Question: What’s your relationship to silence?
I’m craving a bit of silence right now. The noise of the school year and the highly stressful exit portfolio process our 8th graders go through is deafening. The parents freaking out, the kids freaking out, Lizzie freaking out (If they don’t do well, IT’S ALL MY FAULT and people will know I’m actually a fraud of a teacher)…I want to find a dark, cool space and hibernate. But I can’t, so I’m carving out 10-minutes during my lunch break to meditate, an hour before my husband is allowed to speak to me when I get home. And then I think, 11 more wake-ups until I have the summer to restore my equilibrium. Ahhhhh…
@Ellen Berg YES! I just commented to @otitiovuewhorie that it’s jarring when Mark arrives home if I’m not ready for the noise of life to turn on! I sometimes greet him and return to my office to ease into it. I’ve had people tell me it’s weird, but they’re usually people who don'[t embrace silence so I understand. When I go too long without attending a silent retreat I start craving it! Hmm, I think I just discovered another quirk 😉
I find I’m able to embrace silence and just chill with it. No need for background noise of some kind, ANY kind. I’m able to immerse myself in it and really “hear” myself think.
Silence is a precious thing and I cherish it much more than I used to a few years ago. Now I need some every day just to be still and focus.
I’ve gotten so used to silence in my day that it’s sometimes jarring when my husband comes home or I go out to meet a friend or client. Like you, I cherish it more than I thought I ever would. xoS
Once again, you’ve inspired me to explore something that scares the living hell out of me…a silent meditation retreat.
Though I love my daily sits, I have a fear of longer periods of withdrawal and that empty space just waiting to be filled with big and little thoughts.
As a step in that direction, I have gone back to the retreat site, chosen a date, put it in my calendar, and applied…”because there is no someday.”
Love you!
@Sabrina at MyMiBoSo Thinking back to my first time, I wasn’t so much terrified as curious. It got terrifying as my mind chatter got louder and louder, but once I was through that first day and a half….bliss 🙂
Hi Sandi,
I had to read this because I’ve written about silence (second time I write this today) and will link back to this beautiful testament to it! Silence seems to be a theme [for me anyway] today as it’s popping up all over! I love how you’ve become addicted to it. I hope to join you in that addiction one day soon!
Lori
Hi Sandi,
I had to read this because I’ve written about silence (second time I write this today) and will link back to this beautiful testament to it! Silence seems to be a theme [for me anyway] today as it’s popping up all over! I love how you’ve become addicted to it. I hope to join you in that addiction one day soon!
Lori
@Lori It is truly the best addiction my friend!
Sandi,
This is a great topic. I actually love being silent – now. When I was younger and first started meditating it was a struggle because of all the upsetting thoughts that would surface during that quiet time.
Being silent can be scary which is why I believe many people avoid it. When we are alone with our thoughts we might start hearing our “truth” and that can scare us.
I have never attended a silent retreat but, I would love to. Earlier this year I wrote a book titled, “The Power of Silence,” and did a lot of research on silent retreats. I found there are many beautiful places in North America that offer silent retreats and it’s on my list of things to do someday – soon.
@AngelaArtemis1 Oh my gosh Angela, you must get yourself to a silent retreat as soon as you can 🙂
I go to one a mere 45 minutes from Vancouver, on Bowen Island. I like that it’s close and convenient, yet still far enough away that I can unplug and get away! It’s a gorgeous lodge up on a hill overlooking the ocean and the surrounding mountains, with a labyrinth and beautiful forests to hike. It has become my heaven on earth!
@Sandi Amorim Oh, I’d love to go sometime. You’re so lucky to have one so close. Do you stay over when you go or is it just for the day?
@AngelaArtemis They offer 4 day and 8 day retreats as well as self-directed. I’ve tried them all and love 8 days the best! I come home so rested and clear, more creative than any other time in my life!
@Sandi Amorim I’ll have to get the name of this place from you. Are you allowed to write while you are there? I know from my research each place is different.