What's the hardest thing you've ever done? Definitely in my top five is attending the ten day Vipassana silent meditation retreat this past June. It's also one of the BEST things I've ever done for myself.
My friend and hairdresser extraordinaire, Mychal, told me about the retreat five or six years ago. I'm always up for challenging myself and growing spiritually, but it just never seemed to fit into my schedule. Until this year.
This is NOT a vacation. This is WORK. This is a HUGE commitment to learn and experience the Vipassana technique. A way of meditation to eradicate suffering. And for me, it was a chance to truly live in the present moment, more connected to myself and others than I've felt in a long time.
Turns out, there are centers all over the world. I went to the NW Center in Onalaska, WA. There's no charge. Yes, you read that right...it's totally free. All meals are vegetarian and absolutely delicious, prepared and served by returning students. The accommodations were surprisingly clean and comfortable and the surroundings were gorgeous and peaceful.
The first four days were the hardest. Despite the no talking, there was SO MUCH NOISE in my head! And oh, the drama...my mind made up the most ridiculous stories about the people around me, about how they didn't like me or were mean or some other fairy tale, people I didn't know or hadn't met during the few hours after arrival before the silence began. Once I became aware and removed myself from the drama in my head, I couldn't believe what horrible stuff my mind could create! Imagine in every day life when we're not paying attention to our thoughts, whether our own ideas or someone else's, stories that we latch on to and believe. We truly do create our reality.


During our stay we had every type of weather. From spitting rain, to torrential downpour with hail, to breezy, sunny and disgustingly hot and sweaty. I enjoyed every moment. Connecting with nature, including the trees, ants, deer, rabbits, snakes, sun and moon, you not only know, but you feel that we are all part of one big whole.

Everyone's experience at the retreat is different. But if you have the time and feel so inclined, I HIGHLY recommend giving it a try. I've learned a skill I can always tap into. And with each passing day I find it easier to not avert the bad stuff and not grasp on to the good. I am present. I am the awareness of life. Life is amazing when you have me, myself and I.
Enjoy the Silence!
PlayWrite
http://www.bysonjathomas.com/
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