I recently embarked on a journey that took me far from the hustle and bustle of daily life, deep into the heart of a tranquil forest. This five-day silent retreat in a secluded hotel was an experience that left me profoundly transformed, revealing the immense power of silence and stillness.
Arriving at the retreat, I was greeted by the majestic presence of towering trees in a forest in Northwest Turkiye, their rustling leaves in the loveliest autumn breeze, whispering tales of serenity and wisdom. Surrounded by thirty other women, we entered into an unspoken agreement – silence would be our companion for the duration of our stay. No words, not even a fleeting exchange with my roommate or the hotel staff. Silence enveloped us like a cozy blanket, inviting us to turn inwards and explore the depths of our souls.
The initial moments were marked by a sense of discomfort and unease. Our lives are filled with noise – the constant chatter of social media, the hum of traffic, and the ceaseless demands of work and family. To suddenly strip away this auditory cacophony left me feeling vulnerable and exposed. However, as the days unfolded, I began to recognize the beauty of silence. Beauty of reading only your own thought patterns where we were not allowed to read anything else -not even books- but only write to reflect. Can you imagine?
Meditation became a daily ritual, allowing us to sink into the stillness within. Each breath was a reminder that silence wasn’t empty; it was brimming with possibility. Thoughts drifted like leaves on a gentle stream, and I learned to let them pass without attachment. In this silence, I found a profound sense of peace that had long eluded me in the outside world.
Mindful movement practices, such as pilates and yoga, were woven into our days. These gentle, deliberate movements allowed us to express ourselves without words, forging a deeper connection with our bodies. It was a dance of the soul, a harmonious symphony of motion and breath that spoke volumes in its silence.
Sharing this experience with a group of women created a unique bond. Though we never exchanged words, our eyes held stories of resilience, vulnerability, and inner strength. In the absence of verbal communication, our hearts communicated effortlessly, forging connections that transcended language.
As the retreat drew to a close, I found myself pondering how to integrate the lessons of silence and stillness into my daily life. The benefits were undeniable. Silence offered clarity amidst chaos, allowing me to tap into my intuition and inner wisdom. It was a remedy for stress and anxiety, a sanctuary of solace in a frenetic world, where speed is the ultimate drug to avoid any confrontation and uncomfortable feeling.
In our hyperconnected world, living every moment to reach an undetermined end as soon as possible, because of alarm clocks that we ascribed to ourselves with the cost of ourselves… But have you ever noticed that everything is realized NOT at your ‘set time’, but in its ‘own time’.
To incorporate silence into daily life, I vowed to incorporate silence each week with a few hours of quiet reflection. I’d turn off my phone during meals to savor the taste of food and the company of loved ones without distraction. I’d also set aside time for mindful walks in nature, embracing the serenity of the outdoors (in this heat of Dubai during the day, as of 14th September, 5am is still the best time to embrace serenity and freshness of nature).
In this ‘high of speed’ we often underestimate the power of silence and stillness. My silent retreat experience taught me that within the quietude lies the key to inner transformation where we can all appreciate slowness, being present at the moment no matter how uncomfortable it is. It is in the hush of our hearts that we discover our true selves, forging connections that transcend words. To embrace silence is to embark on a journey towards greater self-awareness, serenity, and connection – to self and to whole- a journey I now cherish and hold dear.
