Silence
Philip McCluskey on Monday, March 3, 2008 A close and personal friend of mine is going to be going on a re-discovery type of retreat this week where she will be refraining from speaking and really going inside to help her answer some of life's questions. I told her that I would support her on this journey so from Tuesday afternoon to Friday evening I will be experiencing silence. I have wanted to do this for some time now... and it just feel right to do it now.
I could say that now is not the time because with trips and events coming up, planning, new ideas, etc... I am busy. But when are we not busy?
Sometimes you have to take time to make time!
Does that even make sense?
A time when you cell phone is off, when your TV is unplugged (smash it actually), and when we enjoy the journey of self discovery in a deeper way. Not unlike the raw lifestyle, a juice feast, or any type of fast, it provides us an opportunity to meditate on the Here Now.
Any takers for a day or two or silence?
consciousness, spirituality 
Reader Comments (9)
Honestly, I've wanted to go on a silent retreat since last summer. I could seclude myself at home, but I share with 3 other people (including my lovely daughters), so that's not a feasible option. On the other hand, I need this, so I'll try to figure out how to make it happen. Maybe I'll check myself into a hotel room. Maybe not this week, but sometime soon...
It would be nice to do this at work... and maybe it could get me fired! I love the idea! You can do it Phil! : )
I've wanted to do one too! The Art of Living Foundation hosts silent retreats for time to time,but I've been unable to attend so far. One day!
Silence is a frequent feature of my life- I had a few days last week, then went to a Natural Trade Show for the day and yapped for the planet ( I blame the Raw Chocolate ;)
Thought, in and of itself, is a lot more noisy than we realise, as we are usually so busy talking 'over' it-
the sweetest place is when thoughts are few if any- and you are simply in the gentle hum of being.
Vipassans is one of the places where you really get to be in silence- meditation, no speech, no eye contact for 10 days. Amongst a myriad of other things, you get to realise how loudly the beauty of everything sings when your eyes fall upon it, and what pure jewels words can be when mindfully spoken. One of the richest experiences I have ever known. Nothing quite like it for deep appreciation.
Anyway, it's one thing to extinguish our external noise- the real pantomime is realising the inner din! Great fun.......much love xx
I love silence. Many days, when my girls are at school, I am in my home in total silence. A day with no outside intrusion and nothing spoken is elevating and deeply peaceful. Good for you and I want to hear how this time goes for you.
xo....Penni
PS-I am pretty sure I'm coming to the NY event on the 29th. Hopefully, I'll finally get to meet you and the rest of the entourage!!
I've tried this once before--it's difficult with a little one around (I have a 14-month-old son) since he enjoys hearing my voice and sometimes I need to alert him of danger. When he's older I will definitely do this...it feels like it would be very therapeutic on many levels. I hope you enjoy your silence :-)
hahha how cool, I once went om a three day retreat where I refrained from speach for three days! It was pretty hard but interesting to see how much we sometimes chatter away and its not always so important to utter ones opinion after all. :))
Brilliant, Nadja! Even though I'm home with the fam, I can still choose to refrain from speech/tv/radio for a few days. I'm going to do that. I just need to prepare them. Why didn't I think of that?
I would love to take a few days of silence, and have considered it many times. Unfortunately, I'm still in school and live with the family so chances are slim. Maybe in summertime...