I Am In Silence
Do you ever want to escape the constant noise around you?
Do you dream of escaping from your everyday life and running to a place of solitude?
When you read this email I will have just entered a Silent Retreat and will be settled into forty-seven hours of silence. For those of you who know me you are shaking your heads saying she can’t do it. I am an extrovert who will talk to anyone and everyone so this is culture shock for me. I am also a networker so to be in the midst of people I don’t know their name and will never know who they are is very strange for me.
I have shared with several people that I am going into silence and with a quizzical look they ask…. WHY.
I attended a Silent Retreat a couple years ago and I left with great peace within my soul. My purpose for attending a silent retreat is to be in silence and listen to what is deep inside me, calling toward the next steps in my life. When you are no longer conversing, listening to music, podcasts, television or playing games—your mind can take front and center and reveal things that are there to guide you toward discovery.
To some this may sound like woo woo and you will hit delete.
I say, sit in curiosity for a minute and ponder all that you may discover when you are free to listen intently to your own thoughts. Granted, some are strange and some are wonderful.
The top six questions my clients, family and friends ask about going into silence:
Is it uncomfortable not speaking when you are surrounded by people? Yes, in order to grow discomfort is often involved. But, discomfort comes from a thought and I have the option to change a thought.
Will I be lonely? No, after much work I have learned how to be comfortable and enjoy my own company .
Do I set an intention? Yes, when I enter the silent retreat I state aloud my purpose, clear my mind, and prepare to take a deep dive into my thoughts.
Do I journal? Yes, it is a must because sometimes new thoughts are rushing to the surface. To give a complete answer, sometimes I can sit for hours and nothing surfaces–dead silence in my brain.
Is meditation involved? Yes, and it is done while walking in the woods or seated in the many meditation stations, while walking the labyrinth, or while spending time alone in my room.
Is it expensive to attend? No, the one I attend is under $350 for Thursday-Saturday and includes accommodations and meals.
Are you thinking that going off for a silent retreat just for a night on your own would be a good first challenge for your soul? Email me at nancybeardcoaching@gmail.com and I will give you ideas, encouragement and become your personal cheerleader.
Are you struggling with lacking clarity on the next steps in your life? I am here to coach you on how to remove the struggle and gain a clear direction.
I will keep you posted on silent retreat #2. I am already looking toward 2024 and planning to attend a five-seven day silent retreat.
Have a beautiful week and snicker as you think of my average of 20,000 words a day going to zero.
Joyfully,
Nancy
