The moment I declared an ‘end’ to my retreat I approached a woman who was working there. I had been wondering if she was my friend Claudia’s sister. As I whispered the question to her, she responded with a big smile affirming she was ‘the sister’. We immediately went into the corridor to continue our hushed chatter. At that moment, I was rewarded. In the brief time together we connected, we laughed, we shared insights about the whole experience and we hugged. My craving had been satisfied. (more…)
Archive for the ‘The Silent Retreat Challenge’ Category
Now that I can talk …
Wednesday, January 19th, 2011Quietly I return …
Wednesday, January 19th, 2011Well I can now say ‘I did it’ with great conviction. It’s not that I doubted I could (although my friends did) but there was a whole lot of uncertainty as to what would prove to be the most challenging for me. Truthfully, although it was definitely a step out of my realm of comfort, there were elements of it that drew on past experiences. (more…)
Nourishment of peace …
Tuesday, January 18th, 2011Each day I have a few things to look forward to. I have my regulars. My day has balance. A little bit o’ this, a little bit o’ that. But as much as I look forward to my brisk daily walk around the snow covered grounds and my workout in the crammed little room in the basement, my favourite ‘to do’ is 1130 Mass. Truthfully I am not a regular most Sunday’s but this is different. (more…)
All is well and I’m still …
Monday, January 17th, 2011Here. After a restless night (thanks to the bedtime sucker and 4 glasses of water at dinner) I woke up remarkably calm to face another day at ‘Camp for the Quiet’.
Yes it reminds me a lot of being at winter camp framed by a beautiful view, set meal times, daily chapel, singing (except there is no Hole in the Bucket sung in rounds here … just hymns) but without an extended gesture inviting me to play broom ball or trivial pursuit. That’s ok, it’s still … somewhat comforting. (more…)
“Don’t ask. Don’t say. Everything lies in silence.”
Sunday, January 16th, 2011Today’s title was my fortune cookie message on New Year’s Eve, two weeks after I registered for the retreat.
Thanks to my own resourcefulness, some suggested readings by Dan and a series of daily guides from a friend, I am managing. (more…)
Alone in the company of strangers …
Saturday, January 15th, 2011Well my first 24 hours have been spent in silence and here are some of my thoughts …
This entire building is so peaceful … void of all the typical sounds you might hear in the solitude of your own home. There’s just this constant buzzing … I think that’s what silence sounds like. It makes you want to be as quiet as possible in everything you do so I feel like I’m moving around in slow motion to avoid any unwelcomed noise. (more…)
Shh … no talking allowed
Friday, January 14th, 2011In a few hours I will leave for my six day silent retreat which mandates me to not utter a single solitary word for the entire time. This does present a challenge.
I’m an extrovert (albeit with a few introverted tendencies). I thrive on social interaction anywhere, anytime … pumping gas, in the aisle of grocery store, line-ups … heck I’ve been known to converse with the person in front of me going to communion. I like throwing my 2 cents worth into the mix of any discussion and enjoy nothing more than the ping pong effect of a great conversation with someone. (more…)
Taking a break from the noise …
Thursday, January 13th, 2011Noise, noise, everywhere is noise … we are continually lambasted with it.
Unsolicited sounds emit from our array of techno gadgets … whether it be ringing, dinging or beeps. Microwaves give an audible, as do smoke detectors, full dehumidifiers, trucks backing up and what about that ridiculous horn tooting to check the car locks? I know when a text comes in, an email and even when the mail has arrived by listening for the sound it generates. When the bells shiver on my front door I know someone has entered … whether it be family or an unwelcomed guest. When the windmill rattles from my yard, I can sense the weather. I can listen to conversations from my friends as I prepare to tee off on the golf course (I try hard to make sure my swing doesn’t interfere with their talking). (more…)
