There are many things a silent retreat is and there are many ways in which a silent retreat can be run.
Firstly, not all silent retreats offer complete silence. Not all retreats last longer than a day.
What is a Silent Retreat?
A silent retreat is a place where one can sit in contemplation through meditation and mindfulness without communication with others. Not being able to look at another person and not moving one’s body are just some of the experiences that are part of a silent retreat. It gives one a chance to sit with whatever thoughts arise and listen fully and completely to oneself.
The main Silent Retreat in this country is the Vipassana. This is a full immersion into silence, 10 days with no distractions, very early mornings, and hours of sitting and meditating. Vipassana means “to see things as they really are.”After 10 days of meditation, you will certainly have explored yourself in every way.
What are the challenges?
Sitting with your feelings can feel tough at first, but learning to lean into them over time becomes easier and after time you realise the benefits of sitting with what is. You feel freer, a greater sense of joy and wellbeing because you have grown to be comfortable with you. Ultimately, acceptance is all we need.
When you stop thinking about another, observing another, opening a door for another, you can fully be present with you. How does it feel to walk through a door and let it close behind you, not letting the other person through? Maybe you would feel rude, or mean by not thinking of the other. For some people, it can be quite an observation of how they experience each of these everyday moments differently. It can be a wonderful release with no expectation to give or receive from another. There is a lot to learn about how we perceive our role to be in life. For example, if you are a natural giver you will be looking to see how you can help another person, often at the expense of looking after your own needs.
The concept of complete silence can be terrifying to some people because it implies that you will be left with your thoughts, and some of them might not be what you want to hear.
What are the benefits?
When I asked people what they thought a Silent Retreat was the answer was unknown, they didn’t think it would be for them, it’s for those others, the ones who need it. So many ideas about who it was for, but not for them.
There was a fear of being with people they didn’t know and this is quite a strong theme, that being in silence is therefore being in a vulnerable space.
