It’s amazing to me how calming silence can be. I’ve never done a silent retreat but I am a longtime meditator and would love to try a silent meditation retreat one day.
I have, however, lost my voice a couple of times in the past few years. With two young kiddos, I thought it would be especially challenging. I never asked them to, but they began to whisper instead of their usual rambunctious play and they gravitated to quiet activities like reading and cuddling with me “so mommy can rest.” It was unexpected and touching to witness. And I think my not being able to speak made me even more present. It’s one of the sweetest memories of my kids’ kindness and love.
What a wonderful experience you had Janine. I live alone and I spend a lot of time in silent contemplation. It's very peaceful and soothing for the soul. And, re-entering spaces where there are others having conversation as a bout of silence can be, as you noted difficult and jarring. Silence is bliss for me.
It does. Back in the late 90's while living in L.A. I studied A Course In Miracles with Tara Singh who was the first teacher of ACIM, in it's very early days. At a retreat he talked of his 3 years of silence and back then I remember thinking I can not imagine doing this. Now it is second nature. I think Taraji smiles on me.
It’s amazing to me how calming silence can be. I’ve never done a silent retreat but I am a longtime meditator and would love to try a silent meditation retreat one day.
I have, however, lost my voice a couple of times in the past few years. With two young kiddos, I thought it would be especially challenging. I never asked them to, but they began to whisper instead of their usual rambunctious play and they gravitated to quiet activities like reading and cuddling with me “so mommy can rest.” It was unexpected and touching to witness. And I think my not being able to speak made me even more present. It’s one of the sweetest memories of my kids’ kindness and love.
That is a beautiful memory, Marisa, thanks for sharing it! Kids are amazing in how they can tune into the energy of the room sometimes.
I just wanted to say Massachusetts is the best in the world (I'm from Winchester, lol)
Lol! It is great. I'm in Central Massachusetts. I'm a fan. 😁
What a wonderful experience you had Janine. I live alone and I spend a lot of time in silent contemplation. It's very peaceful and soothing for the soul. And, re-entering spaces where there are others having conversation as a bout of silence can be, as you noted difficult and jarring. Silence is bliss for me.
Silence brings such peace to the soul.
It does. Back in the late 90's while living in L.A. I studied A Course In Miracles with Tara Singh who was the first teacher of ACIM, in it's very early days. At a retreat he talked of his 3 years of silence and back then I remember thinking I can not imagine doing this. Now it is second nature. I think Taraji smiles on me.
Same! Silence just feels good. I can't imagine 3 years straight, but letting go of small talk alone can be huge.