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| Camino de Santiago de Compostela |
Today, I was talking to my friend John about his project, next year, to do the Camino de Santiago de Compostela (the Way of St. James), which is one of the oldest pilgrimages in the world. Starting from the North-West of France until the tomb of St. James (Santiago in Spanish), he will walk a distance of 780 kilometres. I asked him what he looked forward to the most on that pilgrimage. He simply answered "being in silence".
So, I thought of how I enjoy silence too. In fact, my favourite time of the day is the morning, when the whole house is still asleep, and I'm alone in the kitchen, enjoying my morning coffee. I thought of the fact that at lunch time, I isolate myself in my office, instead of going to the teacher's lounge, just to be in silence. I thought of how I enjoy the silence of nature, the silence of a walk on a mild and snowy day.
As a mother, a wife, a daughter, a teacher and a colleague, I'm required to discuss, argue, explain and question on a daily basis. Even when I write I speak out loud. It's a funny habit I've always had. For instance, as I'm writing this post, I'm also saying it. So silence is a rare commodity for me. I look for moments of silence, because they are so scarce. And because I'm constantly in speaking mode, I get tired of hearing myself!
Interestingly enough, I used to hate being alone in silence. Now, I'm contemplating the idea of going on a silent retreat for a few days... it's a little scary, but tempting! There are known psychological and physiological benefits to going on retreats. For instance, a study conducted by James Kennedy, Anne Abbott and Beth Rosenberg for cardiac patients at the University of Wisconsin showed that a short retreat (3 days) resulted in lifestyle changes, increased feelings of well-being, better anger management and a greater sense of spirituality. These effects lasted for at least 4 to 6 months after the retreat.
Retreats force you to delve deep into yourself and get to know who you are. It sounds scary for sure, but everyone I know who has experienced it seems to have come out of it transformed and happier...
And how about you? Would you like to go on a retreat?
2 comments:
Oh yes... Le chemin de compostel is a dream for me that I will realize in the next 10 years. The other day my daughter walks in on me sitting in the living room in the dark watching the moon outside. All the kids were asleep but her, she was reading downstairs. She says to me:" what on earth are you doing mom". See being a mom of 5 I am always on the go, always moving or doing something. i answered: "chut.... Je contemple le SILENCE!" the llok on her face .....priceless. I only realized I enjoyed silence after I had kids niw I crave for it and it has to be part of my life.
You know, sometime we needs take a moment for self. Sometimes is just 10 minutes by day in the silent.....but this 10 minutes is appreciated.
Have a good day Dina and thank you for these reflections.
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