My head is reverberating with stillness after returning from a four day silent meditation/yoga retreat last night. The world feels fresh and my senses sensitive. I’m keeping the quiet around me, bundled like a flannel blanket.

The retreat, led by Susan Grant and Cindy Dollar , was held at the Southern Dharma Center.

During this, my first meditation retreat, I experienced the present in a profound way. I also deepened my yoga and meditation practice.

Being silent for four days was its own teacher. (This from the chick who has been known to type on the computer, talk on the cell, watch tv, and eat dinner all at the same time.)  Not only did the 25 participants or so observe “noble silence”, but eye contact was discouraged to limit visual communication. A slow pace was encouraged in everything from eating all the delicious vegan food to walking in the woods.

After getting uncomfortable and a little angry with the silence, it began to teach me. As did the 3 hours or so of meditation sitting each day.

Some of my favorite phrases the teachers gave us at the retreat?

*Every moment is an opportunity for mindfulness.

*Thoughts are not facts, even if they say they are.

*Ask for what you want, accept what you get.

*How you do anything is how you do everything.

May all of you experience ease, calm and moments of mindfulness today

text: Nancy Harder, photo: dan