Mindful Monday: Lessons from a Weekend of Silence

As I sit down to write this week, inspiration feels like an effortless flow.

Recently, I had the privilege of facilitating a weekend silent retreat—an experience that was profoundly transformative for everyone involved, including myself.

Together, eighteen of us embarked on a journey inward, held in the sacred embrace of silence and presence. It was truly beautiful.

On Friday evening, we began with an opening circle. As participants shared their feelings, a mix of excitement and nervousness emerged. There was a common desire to unplug from phones, social media, and the constant noise of daily life.

And it happened.

We created a space to reconnect with our true selves by stepping away from these distractions.

Though I’ve participated in many silent retreats over the past thirty years, this was my first time as a facilitator—and it certainly won’t be my last. For many attendees, it was their first silent retreat, and by the end, most expressed a deep desire to return for next year’s retreat in January.

Silence holds a special place in my heart.

Observing the group navigate silence—whether sitting together, eating in silence, engaging in creative activities, or walking—I witnessed a profound sense of unity. It was as though the silence dissolved the barriers between us. At the end of the retreat, several participants shared that they, too, had experienced this sense of Oneness.

On Saturday afternoon, I went for a walk and found myself immersed in the serene beauty of snow-covered trees and the stillness of nature. As I strolled, a profound insight emerged—a moment of awakening. I felt a deep connection to the essence of my being. At the same time, an old belief/conditioning surfaced, but it felt different this time—fragmented, like an illusion with no real power or truth.

This spontaneous awakening to the truth was a gift of grace, serving as a powerful reminder that true transformation occurs when we fully embrace the present moment.

On Sunday afternoon, we concluded our sacred silence by chanting a beautiful Buddhist mantra. As we transitioned back to speaking, participants shared their experiences.

Their words moved me deeply—stories of insights, awakenings, and shifts in perspective. Many expressed feeling safe, held, and supported by the group. For some, the absence of conversation felt liberating and freeing.

Several participants shared that they encountered moments of discomfort during the retreat. It wasn’t always easy, yet they chose to stay present with these feelings. Many expressed that being in a group and feeling supported by the silent presence strengthened them.

I appreciated hearing this because spiritual growth is not about seeking comfort. Leaning into discomfort with nonjudgment and compassion is the doorway to freedom. By releasing the ego’s preferences and surrendering to the Divine, we access a deeper truth and profound healing. The emotions are liberated, and so are we. 

I am deeply grateful to everyone who showed up with the courage to embrace silence for an entire weekend.

I’m already looking forward to hosting another silent retreat on January 16-18, 2025, welcoming new and familiar faces to this sacred experience. Perhaps you would like to join me.

Silence is sacred.

In the chaos of our noisy, fast-paced lives, silence is a gentle invitation to reconnect with our essence.

It reminds us to pause, to listen inward, and to rediscover the wisdom that lies within. This doesn’t require a grand retreat or an entire weekend of solitude—sometimes, it’s the simplest acts that hold the most profound impact.

It could be a quiet moment in the morning before the world wakes up, sipping tea in stillness. Or perhaps a short walk in nature without distractions, looking at our surroundings and hearing the sounds. Even a brief moment of mindful breathing between meetings or chores can ground us in the present and offer clarity amidst the noise.

Silence is a gift we can give ourselves, one moment at a time.

May we embrace these sacred pauses and find comfort, wisdom, and peace in their gentle embrace.
 

With Love,

Diane