{This is a Feel Good Post}
Just what the soul doctor ordered.
A silent retreat.
We all have distractions and craziness in our lives. Between jobs, relationships, driving, food shopping, meals, kid’s after school programs, and finally making it to yoga class on Sundays, we have perfected multi-tasking in our culture, even while driving to and from activities.
I am a soulful momma, 100%, but I am also a business owner, and as such, I work a lot because I want to make a ridiculous difference in the planet.
And at least once a year, I go into silence. I have definitely tried this at home with my family, and well, let’s just say, it does not work, not even for one hour. I started this practice about six years ago, and at the time I would go to silent retreats. Then I started leading women in them, and last year I did a self-led silent retreat… I may have some control issues. In all fairness, I have loved the flow of my retreats and so I entrusted my soul to guide me.
This past week I went to one where I opened my mind and heart to a calling of my soul. I have, I guess some would call a Mystical experience with Paramahansa Yogananda, in fact, my husband jokes that I look like I could be his twin sister. I am not a fan of organized religion and religious or spiritual organizations, but I am very drawn to the energy of Yogananda, not even always of his teachings.
In any case, I gave into silence for two days and it was just what the soul doctor ordered.
I meditated constantly, wrote ideas, ate in silence, slept like a baby and even got to witness the most glorious sunsets overlooking the pacific ocean.
Why silence?
We expend so much energy talking, engaging, making small talk, deep talk, any kind of talk, negotiating relationships & contracts. Everywhere we go, we feel obligated to perform at some level, through our words, our demeanor, and our presence. I have always enjoyed being at home alone, recharging, but when you unplug from social media (ok I posted once on Instagram & Facebook), from emails, and from schedules, the entire system has a chance to take in a deep breath and enjoy the simplicity of the moment.
Yes, we are left with our thoughts. Lots of them. The first day is rough. Even for pros. I know the first day, I had a handful of moments where I wanted to just escape and have a nice latte somewhere. But after each meditation sitting, I felt more and more settled in my soul.
I didn’t want to leave
I may have cried a tear feeling so fulfilled by the silence, and they didn’t even ask me to join the cult. Haha! I joke, but some of these places have a bit of a hard sale, so I was glad I walked away with so much gratitude for the people, the place, the teachings, without much pressure to return.
I over gave on the donation. Because to me, this was priceless.
Coming home, you ask?
Oh yeah, the plane ride was so loud and definitely felt like sensory overload.
Coming home to the chaos and whines was a bit of a shock too. Once I cried a few tears of confusion for this path of motherhood, self- employment, and living in reality, I settled into my iphone quite nicely, only this time, I am taking time to meditate upon waking and before going to bed. That feels good.
Do I recommend it? Absolutely.
It feels good to take a break from life, plug into my soul, have some good food, a little silence, alone time, and then the clarity of purpose upon the return.
Love,
ASHA
