The weekend before last I had one of the most powerful experiences I have ever had in my life. For the first time ever I went on a retreat. This was something I have always wanted to do but had always found some kind of excuse not to to do it. One excuse was that I couldn’t possible leave my children behind whilst I indulged myself like that. If you’re a single parent, you might be able to relate with this. Although even as a non-sole parent this could be an excuse that could crop up.
What does 'to retreat' mean these days? In the past it could mean to retreat from the enemy or something/someone hazardous (one of many definitions). These days it is used a lot in the sense of ‘to get away from it all / or to go to a place where you can be alone’. Now this retreat wasn’t just any kind of retreat - and it wasn’t somewhere where I was on my own. I retreated to a place of silence and meditation. I do wish that I had done this earlier. It was sooo good, that I can confess safely now that I am hooked on it. The feeling of peace that I experienced was second to none. I felt it and I radiated it so strongly that everyone I came into contact with in the days afterward noticed it.
If you know a bit about meditation, it means that you would sit quietly and usually with your eyes closed. This mediation retreat was special as it was not about sitting quietly — for the most part of it we (a small group of women) practiced ‘noble silence’. Not as easy it sounds - a group of women living in each other’s space for 2 nights not allowed to converse with each other nor make any gestures at all.
We spent the days and evenings meditating in a circle, which in itself is very powerful. We alternated this with walking meditations mostly outside - concentrating on our steps and the feeling and movement of our feet as we walked and contemplated. We were so immersed in this feeling of peace and connecting with our innermost feelings. When we weren’t meditating, we spent the time being mindful about everything we did, from walking through to being mindful of eating and drinking, picking up things. It’s such an incredible feeling when you are able to be so mindful to notice each little thing you are doing rather than being in a normal state where we do, do, do and go, go, go without being mindful. In my day-to-day life I am always busy doing things, for myself and for others. So to become still, to become mindful was totally awesome!!
Meditation gives you the ability to slow down, to peel back the layers of things and experiences in your life. You gain insight, you come to know the importance of wholesome living, you gain answers to questions. You discover the jewel deep within - the answers you seek lies within you already.
Will I do this again? Yes, definitely! Will you consider becoming still and gain insight and physical and mental advantages? Meditation is becoming more and more accepted as a way of living and its health benefits do not go unnoticed. Meditation heals body, mind and spirit. If you are still not so sure about the benefits, here’s a link where you can check out: http://www.webmd.com/balance/features/meditation-heals-body-and-mind. In just a few minutes a day, you’ll be able to gain superb benefits, just like I have - the good thing is that you can do it anywhere and you become better at it each time you do it!
I would love to know what you think about meditation. Let me know in the comments below, how it benefits you. If you’re not sure how to do it, get in touch and I can give you a few pointers.
Love and blessings,
Ruth
What does 'to retreat' mean these days? In the past it could mean to retreat from the enemy or something/someone hazardous (one of many definitions). These days it is used a lot in the sense of ‘to get away from it all / or to go to a place where you can be alone’. Now this retreat wasn’t just any kind of retreat - and it wasn’t somewhere where I was on my own. I retreated to a place of silence and meditation. I do wish that I had done this earlier. It was sooo good, that I can confess safely now that I am hooked on it. The feeling of peace that I experienced was second to none. I felt it and I radiated it so strongly that everyone I came into contact with in the days afterward noticed it.
If you know a bit about meditation, it means that you would sit quietly and usually with your eyes closed. This mediation retreat was special as it was not about sitting quietly — for the most part of it we (a small group of women) practiced ‘noble silence’. Not as easy it sounds - a group of women living in each other’s space for 2 nights not allowed to converse with each other nor make any gestures at all.
We spent the days and evenings meditating in a circle, which in itself is very powerful. We alternated this with walking meditations mostly outside - concentrating on our steps and the feeling and movement of our feet as we walked and contemplated. We were so immersed in this feeling of peace and connecting with our innermost feelings. When we weren’t meditating, we spent the time being mindful about everything we did, from walking through to being mindful of eating and drinking, picking up things. It’s such an incredible feeling when you are able to be so mindful to notice each little thing you are doing rather than being in a normal state where we do, do, do and go, go, go without being mindful. In my day-to-day life I am always busy doing things, for myself and for others. So to become still, to become mindful was totally awesome!!
Meditation gives you the ability to slow down, to peel back the layers of things and experiences in your life. You gain insight, you come to know the importance of wholesome living, you gain answers to questions. You discover the jewel deep within - the answers you seek lies within you already.
Will I do this again? Yes, definitely! Will you consider becoming still and gain insight and physical and mental advantages? Meditation is becoming more and more accepted as a way of living and its health benefits do not go unnoticed. Meditation heals body, mind and spirit. If you are still not so sure about the benefits, here’s a link where you can check out: http://www.webmd.com/balance/features/meditation-heals-body-and-mind. In just a few minutes a day, you’ll be able to gain superb benefits, just like I have - the good thing is that you can do it anywhere and you become better at it each time you do it!
I would love to know what you think about meditation. Let me know in the comments below, how it benefits you. If you’re not sure how to do it, get in touch and I can give you a few pointers.
Love and blessings,
Ruth
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