A Day In The Life - Meditation
Posted in Life Coaching | By anita |
A ‘Day in the Life’ is a segment about my personal everyday experiences and lessons you may glean from them. I’d like to share my experiences of attending a 10 day long silent meditation retreat at the Hermitage on Denman Island, British Columbia. The Hermitage is a Buddhist Meditation Centre, situated on a generous acreage of wilderness. I had complete a 5 day retreat, but it was recommended to me by a friend and Buddhist nun, to challenge myself with the next step.
The calming power of nature
I must say I was excited and nervous at the same time. Could I play by the rules and keep quiet? Would I be able to meditate for hours? Could I wake up daily at 5am for the first group sitting? Could I go without junk food, tv, and the phone? Could I keep my boredom in check? Oh yes, I had my doubts!
To clarify, there were times our small group was permitted to talk when absolutely necessary. We also had group chanting each day, and my favorite part, individual time with the head Lama Rodney Devenish. This precious time allowed us to discuss our progress with the Lama and receive words of wisdom and encouragement. I don’t think any of us thought we were doing a good enough job! Lama Rodney would gently remind us to have faith and acknowledge our baby steps.
For myself, it wasn’t until about half-way through the retreat, that I began to relax and settle into the routine. I was able to meditate for longer and longer. Eventhough it wasn’t perfect (nothing is), I made it to my goal of four hours a day. Quite an accomplishment for someone who initially was more concerned about how to get her fix of chocolate than meditation!
What I gained from this experience, is that with diligence, I can go to deep places inside me and discover insight. I learned that I could be in the moment and trust the process that was unfolding. That I could quiet my mind for short periods of time and lose myself in nature. Mainly, I learned that silence is a gift and that through it, I can truly know myself.
I recommend for anyone who is the least bit interested in trying a retreat, to do so. It is sometimes infuriating, boring, confusing, deeply moving, humbling, joyous and every other emotion in between. Mostly, it may be a once in a life time experience to go beyond the ordinary and discover your true self.
For more information on The Hermitage or to order the Hermitage Meditation Manual please click on info@dharmafellowship.org.
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