Saturday, November 10, 2007

Being Quiet

It's that time of year again.

The leaves are still turning, a chill is in the air. And by the time you read this, I will be safely ensconced in the wonder of Holy Cross Monastery for my parish's annual silent retreat.

It's funny how much comfort the silence of this retreat brings me, considering I already pretty much live like a monk. It's pretty silent at home. But I'm not home all that often, except to eat, sleep, and do endless loads of laundry. So it feels luxurious to be surrounded by people who are also keeping silent, allowing ourselves to be drawn in by the rituals of the Daily Office (the daily services kept by the monks).

It's not for everyone. But it's for me and I look forward to it every year.

I'll see ya on the flip side, Sunday night.

11 comments:

Susan said...

I love quiet. Enjoy your time!

21stCenturyMom said...

That sounds like heaven to me. I would love to do something like that so I would be forced to think about all the things that need thinking about but which I manage to avoid in the noise of every day life.

LBTEPA said...

That sounds so peaceful - enjoy and be recharged

brent said...

you made it onto phedippidations! YEAH!!!!!!!!!

Rich said...

I should send my kids to keep you company there ...

Sunshine said...

Peace be with you!

Anonymous said...

hello, darkness my old friend.

susie said...

Man, I missed a couple of days (a week?) of reading your blog, and I'm all over the place. Ok, I had a terrible run today. I walked for the first time in, what, years? Months, ok. Well, it was terrible. I am so nervous about this race. I know. You are being quiet. Ok. I can wait until you are back. Hey, the bike pic looks great!!!!

Anonymous said...

Oh, for CRYING OUT LOUD, hurry back! Next time don't promise us you're going to blog everday when you have a silent retreat on your calendar. I hope you had a wonderful time.

David said...

What did you learn in the silence this year? Are you a noisy thinker?

Rae said...

That always sounds like such a great time away, I remember when you did it last year. Time away from people attached to their cell phones would be wonderful.