Silence

Have you ever thought about going on a silent retreat? In the hustle and bustle of your life, do you ever wish you could just “get away from it all” for a while? Perhaps you have even contemplated looking up a monastery or some other place of retreat where you could simply be alone with your thoughts, pray, or meditate. Many people have considered the possibility, and even longed for the opportunity to do this, but not many seem to actually undertake such a pilgrimage. Perhaps they don’t know how easy it is to do.

This week at Ziontario reunion grounds, a number of people have seized the opportunity to spend a week, a few days, or even one single day in silence. Some of those who attend will have done this before, while for others it may be their first attempt. People attempting the silent retreat for the first time often commit to only one day to “see if they can do it.” Most will come back for more.

The Silent Retreat began a couple of years ago when David Morris realized there were vacant weeks in the Ziontario calendar. Being highly experienced in meditation himself, David knew that this was a great place to spend time alone with the Divine. If he offered to host such a week, would anyone come? A few conversations convinced him that they would. Now the retreat is offered three times a year; spring, summer and fall.

Participants come together for meals, usually eaten in silence, and for a morning and evening meditation, but otherwise they spend their day in solitude. Some come seeking answers, others searching for personal peace. Indoors or out, whether sitting, lying or walking, they attempt to quiet the “monkey mind” as David calls it, the part of our consciousness that keeps up a constant stream of largely irrelevant thoughts and chatter.

For some people reading this, the silent retreat may sound wonderfully inviting; for others it may seem unthinkable. If you are in the first group, you may want to give it a try next year. If you think this is not for you...well...we’ll see you in the hustle and bustle of life. Either way, I am sure you will be blessed.

Posted by Carman