About Silence
There are layers to silence. The four practices described here build on one another and require increasing levels of skill and commitment. These are not right and wrong ways of being silent, and it is not a race or a contest to get to a "higher" level. What you will find on retreat is that with intention and practice, you will feel more and more comfortable with more silence and less stimulation.
The spiritual practice of not talking: This, of course, is what most people think and worry about when they think of silent retreat. What is it like not to speak for several days? Stopping talking is the first layer of entering silence.
The spiritual practice of not communicating: It is fully possible to stop talking but to continue to interact with people via text, social media, hand gestures, and written notes. Not communicating means not talking and withdrawing from interactions with others.
The spiritual practice of minimal stimulation: There are many activities that can be done in silence, and in fact, SpiritRest Retreat is full of spiritual practices and activities to enjoy. Withdrawing from stimulation--music, games, reading, etc.--invites a deeper experience of silence.
The spiritual practice of slowing our thoughts: When we are not talking, communicating with others, or engaging with other activities, it is still possible to sit with racing thoughts. The practice of slowing our thoughts and staying mindful to the present moment is difficult and well worth cultivating.
The spiritual practice of not talking: This, of course, is what most people think and worry about when they think of silent retreat. What is it like not to speak for several days? Stopping talking is the first layer of entering silence.
The spiritual practice of not communicating: It is fully possible to stop talking but to continue to interact with people via text, social media, hand gestures, and written notes. Not communicating means not talking and withdrawing from interactions with others.
The spiritual practice of minimal stimulation: There are many activities that can be done in silence, and in fact, SpiritRest Retreat is full of spiritual practices and activities to enjoy. Withdrawing from stimulation--music, games, reading, etc.--invites a deeper experience of silence.
The spiritual practice of slowing our thoughts: When we are not talking, communicating with others, or engaging with other activities, it is still possible to sit with racing thoughts. The practice of slowing our thoughts and staying mindful to the present moment is difficult and well worth cultivating.
Silence at SpiritRest is up to you
What you get from the retreat will depend in large part on the intentions you set for yourself and how you follow through. It is fully possible to attend this silent retreat and:
Our orientation the first night will include an invitation to think about your hopes for the week, and to set some boundaries for yourself about how you want to spend your time.
The retreat is mostly silent. Spiritual directors leading the morning presentations will speak during those times, and retreatants are invited to speak to ask questions. Retreatants will speak during your half hour with your spiritual director. Evening vespers include the opportunity to sing and speak to participate, but retreatants may also remain in silence if desired.
Meals are in the dining room and are taken in silence. Retreatants can sit at a table with other people, or if there is space and you prefer, you can sit at a table alone. Our Sunday night dinner and Friday afternoon lunch are times for speaking.
Although we are on silent retreat, sometimes communication is necessary. We are not here to police or judge each other’s silence. If you need to ask a question or tell someone something, please whisper or even write a note.
Be aware that if you DO talk, you may be encroaching on someone else’s silence.
- Put in earplugs and watch movies on your iPad all week if you want
- Leave the retreat center and spend the day touring local shops
- Sit in your car in the parking lot talking on your cell phone
Our orientation the first night will include an invitation to think about your hopes for the week, and to set some boundaries for yourself about how you want to spend your time.
The retreat is mostly silent. Spiritual directors leading the morning presentations will speak during those times, and retreatants are invited to speak to ask questions. Retreatants will speak during your half hour with your spiritual director. Evening vespers include the opportunity to sing and speak to participate, but retreatants may also remain in silence if desired.
Meals are in the dining room and are taken in silence. Retreatants can sit at a table with other people, or if there is space and you prefer, you can sit at a table alone. Our Sunday night dinner and Friday afternoon lunch are times for speaking.
Although we are on silent retreat, sometimes communication is necessary. We are not here to police or judge each other’s silence. If you need to ask a question or tell someone something, please whisper or even write a note.
Be aware that if you DO talk, you may be encroaching on someone else’s silence.