(w)holing up + silent retreat
view of Big Sur from my silent retreat in March 2011
I look forward to my silent retreat in December.
It’s a conscious choice to turn away from the noise and loudness associated with the season between Thanksgiving and the end of the year. It’s one thing that helps me stay grounded and centered in the midst of the chaos. It’s also part of my natural rhythm.
Winter is a time for reflection, hibernation (deep rest) and rejuvenation. Kind of a “(w)holing up” until Spring, so to speak.
But I don’t feel silence is about needing to be serious, to find enlightenment, or even necessarily about stillness. There is room for movement, intense joy and laughter.
It’s about getting to know all the facets of yourself and reconnecting with the wisdom already inside in a gentle, intentional way.
I’m tickled I’ve had opportunities to talk about silent retreating since my last post on this subject. It’s been an interesting dance with visibility that has been challenging and exciting.
I chuckle when I think about talking about silence. The irony is not lost.
If you’re interested, you can find a few of my guest spots about silent retreating here:
- Read my interview about silent retreat with smArts & Culture’s Maryann Devine: Part 1 & Part 2
- Listen to the smArts & Culture Summer House interview by signing up here.
- Read A Little Bit of Soothing with silent retreating on Cranky Fibro Girl here.
an interesting book/story: “Zero Decibels – the quest for absolute silence”
thanks, Nan! you give the best book recommendations.
Joy, thanks for once again reminding me that silence is golden. This is a season in our culture that is supposed to be for cherishing family and remembering what’s importantant to us. But Like many others i often find myself caught up in the frenzie.
Your reminder to pause and tip my face to the sky and let a snowflake settle on my nose is one I needed to hear. There is much to learn in silence. Thank you!
thanks, Kelly! love that imagery of pausing to feel a snowflake settle on your nose.