“We sit silently and watch the world around us. This has taken a lifetime to learn. It seems only the old are able to sit next to one another and not say anything and still feel content. The young, brash and impatient, must always break the silence. It is a waste, for silence is pure. Silence is holy. It draws people together because only those who are comfortable with each other can sit without speaking. This is the great paradox.” Nicholas Sparks, The Notebook
On Easter Friday, I went with my friend on a hike with her dog. She mentioned that she wanted to try ‘Vipassana’ a retreat into silence for 10 days. I had heard of similar things that some of my other friends had attended.
My first question to her would I be able to read? Of course I knew that, ‘Vipassana‘ does not allow reading, writing, talking, listening to music or any form of communication.
I heard myself saying being silent is fine as long as I can read. Yeah, I think I can do that for may be three days, but ten full days, I doubt it.
She started sharing similar things that she needs music, or TV or books to read.
My sister puts the TV on as soon as she comes home. The TV is on but she is not watching it and probably barely listening to it. It is almost like background noise in her house.
How many of you know people amongst your friends or family who have the music or TV on though they may not be listening or watching the same.
Why do many of us find this need to be doing something at all times?
Is it to simulate our mind?
Is it to avoid the silence engulfing us? Why did I worry about not being able to read or listen to music when my friend and I were discussing about ‘Vipassana’?
Why did my friend have similar concerns?
Most common responses you are probably going to hear is
- the silence is deafening
- I’ve no idea what I’ll do with silence all around me
- I need to avoid the weird thoughts that come to my mind
- I need to quieten my mind
- I’ll feel lonely in complete silence
- I’ll go insane.
I was worried because I am scared of being silent with no form of communication. I’m silent many times during the day but I’m reading or working or listening to music or writing or thinking or hiking or at the gym or yoga. Although I practice Mindfulness for a short period of time in the day, I can’t imagine myself doing meditation for 10 days and just being with myself and my thoughts. The lack of a stimulant in the form of books, articles to read or music almost feels like a vacuum in the absence of not talking.
Mindfulness and the practice of meditation apparently has been known to strengthen our pre frontal cortex.
I’m piqued but not sure if I am ready to take this journey of ‘Vipassana’ yet. It is a challenge and just because it is a challenge I’m tempted to do it.
I derive a lot of strength in silence during the day and when I am ready to undertake the journey of “Vipassana”, I hope I find peace and strength from that experience.
What are your thoughts?
Have you been on a journey of ‘Silence’ ?
Like you Lalita, I don’t know if I could do it but the challenge intrigues me. I’m reading a book now called The Unfettered Soul which is helping me to quiet the noise in my head. As I am learning how to meditate (or try) I feel this may help.
So….are you going?
Lori
Thank you Lori. I’ll definitely read that book. I’ve not decided on a date but I intend to do it. My mind has to be ready to take the challenge and one day my mind will be ready. I still remember that 5 years back I never did hot yoga, in fact detested a hot room. I couldn’t imagine doing yoga in a heated room of 40°C but then one fine day I was determined to overcome this and I did. I still have my challenging moments with hot yoga especially during summer but I manage to do a hot yoga class atleast 2-3 times a week :-).
My best wishes to you and I would love to hear from you when you do it, if you wouldn’t mind sharing your experience.
Thank you for taking the time to read and comment.
I appreciate
Great post, Lalita. Silence and solitude will become even more important now with all the devices that keep us always on. I am just beginning to practice mindfulness and silent retreats sound very appealing to me. I am not sure when I would take that step, but it is one I would embrace completely. Silence refreshes us. We need to be unafraid of it. Thanks for your insightful thoughts. Jon
Thank you Jon. Yes we are too wired with all the technology around us and the addiction to the various devices. Wish you all the best and would love to hear your experience when you do go on that journey.
Thank you for reading the post and your insight.
Lalita
Yes! I now make it a daily practice to journey in Silence. It has become my favorite time of day – time to listen, connect, regroup and be loved by All-That-Is. My busy ‘outer world’ filled with coaching, projects, writing, etc. is much more ‘fun’ and impactful when I go within and listen. Thank you for this wonderful reflection!!!
Thank you Joan for sharing your journey with “silence”. Silence and stillness does give a relief to our mind and recharges our brain. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment.
Lalita,
I would not have ever even considered “silence” or solitude, before I was shot. Now, without it… I am lost. I am not sure I would especially like not having a pen and paper… gotta right all the wonderful ideas and thoughts down!
Let me know how it goes, for sure!
Thank you Amber Lee. Challenge is silence without books or music. I’ll definitely share my experience when I do it.
Thank you for sharing your insights and thoughts. I appreciate
Lalita
In silence, there is strength power peace balance and tranquility… we are all mostly silent through the night and in our sleep… which is usually 25% of your day (on average), so yes you CAN be silent for days – 10 days / the number is immaterial. / incidental. its as long as you wish..i know of people who’ve spoken very little for years.. and they are just fine !. And trust me! whenever you do embark on this – it will transform your life.. I can say with experience.. Best wishes – Nischala