Exploring the Sound of Silence
In three days time I’ll be starting a three day silent retreat and I’m really looking forward to it!
I know and love the silence at the very core of my being; it’s an anchor to Truth and a foundation stone of my everyday life.
Yet my version of Conscious Living also includes scheduling time twice a year to immerse myself in internal and external silence for an extended period of time.
Clear Internal Space
A silent retreat enables me to simplify my priorities, clear my internal space and deepen my conscious connection with Source for a complete “reset” before the next phase of the unfolding dream begins.
It also provides the ideal balance to all the different forms of communication, music and other sounds that are an integral part of my regular rhythm.
When I eventually emerge from silence I feel cleansed and refreshed from the inside out; I experience a heightened state of clarity, a sharpened sense of perception and an abundant flow of creative ideas!
Avoid Unnecessary Distractions
I have the great good fortune to live in close proximity to nature and in a situation that enables me to do my silent retreats at home.
In terms of how I spend the time, I avoid unnecessary distractions (no television or social media!) and prioritize presence, then follow my natural tendency to go with the flow of whatever feels right for me in each moment.
Usually this includes enjoying plenty of space for exploring the sound of silence and just sitting and being to rebalance the everyday doing.
Alongside this, I choose from a mix of conscious movement such as yoga and walking, energy practices, meditation, journaling, reading spiritual, uplifting and inspiring books or mindfully tending to the vegetables in the garden.
I call this way of life “monk mode” although my version of it doesn’t usually include getting up at 4am for my morning practice!
Your Core of Inner Silence
Deepak Chopra once said, “Silence is the great teacher, and to learn its lessons you must pay attention to it. There is no substitute for the creative inspiration, knowledge, and stability that come from knowing how to contact your core of inner silence.”
All it takes is a willingness to calm your internal noise through your choice of conscious practice and claim some respite from the external noise in whatever way works for you, even if it’s just for a short period of time each day.
When you explore the sound of silence, you’ll notice the primordial silence that already exists at a deep level within you as well as the song of silence that’s always there as the original source of sound and creation.
So how about taking some time today to immerse yourself in 10-15 minutes of silence and be mindful of the impact it has on how you feel for the rest of the day?
What is your current relationship with silence? Please share your comments below.
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Further Resources
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thank you julia for bringing up the subject of silence.
A retreat of any length is so beneficial, especially one that incorporates silence. Like you Julia, I take ‘retreats’ at home, though anything more than a day is something of a challenge in my busy household. Silence is the key though and I don’t think we have enough of it, which is possibly why so many are fearful of it and feel the need to fill the ‘void’. my home retreats usually start from when i awake and go on to about 5pm. i love having the day without any distractions and family are warned regularly that i won’t be taking calls or switching my mobile on. whilst it’s lovely to go away to retreat, it can be just as refreshing being home.
i hope your retreat nourishes you.
Thank you for your comment and sharing your experience Claire. The retreat has indeed nourished me at such a deep level; I love being in silence and living in “monk mode” and would happily continue for longer next time!
It’s great to know that you also take retreats at home, even one day makes a huge difference and it is immensely refreshing to be in your own space. I agree that most people in the “modern” world aren’t used to silence; so what’s unfamiliar then becomes fearful. However, once the fear threshold is crossed, the silence is such a powerful gateway into your core and the essence of all that is it becomes truly blissful…
I feel inspired by your comment and the others to introduce this experience to more people so will reflect on ways to include it more in my range of offerings.
Julia. I was able to resonant with your blog about silence in a way that I have not thought abour. Sunday is a day that I stay home and gather myself mentally and physically for the upcoming week, such as doing laundry and cooking meals.
As you spoke of your silent retreat at home, it reminde me that this is what I do every Sunady and your blog lead me to write about my own silent retreat; about what happens when I am outdoors listening to nature as I am completing my chore.
Initially I wrote about how hanging out my laundry connected me to the sounds of nature. Hanging clothes is a quiet task. When I take the sheets down and fold them I smell mother natures perfume. In writing, I continued to write about the hawks that have visited me, their calls and their search for one another. I have enjoyed my day writing and I thank you for inspiring me.
That’s great to hear Roe. I also love Sundays and often take a few hours on a mini retreat to clear my internal space and make way for all that has yet to manifest.
How marvellous that the post inspired you to write about your own silent retreat and I love what you describe about connecting with the sounds of nature through the quiet task of hanging out your laundry. When you’re fully present, there’s an enhanced appreciation for the simple tasks in life which become an expression of life unfolding rather than something to be ticked off your To Do list.
I’m inspired to hear that you have been visited by hawks. I love them as well as eagles, buzzards and other large birds of prey. There’s a majesty about them that is quite simply awe-inspiring. In fact the “Personal Reflection on Simplicity” blog I posted last week refers to this!
I love the sounds of silence and relish my alone time. However, I have not given enough priority to “retreat” time, either at home or away. Thank you, Julia, for sharing your thoughts and experience. I’ve been inspired to give this more attention and intention.
Excellent, I’m confident that you’ll soon be glad to give this more attention Helen. Enjoy exploring silence, solitude and personal retreat time 🙂
i realise I prefer to spend most of my day in silence, finding it nurtures my soul as insights and inspiration come forth for my creativity. to me silence is a gift waiting to be received.
I understand, and yes, silence is indeed a gift waiting for us to notice and receive. Beautifully put Jeanine!