Archive for January, 2010
A day of silence or more is an important part of meditation instruction and meditation therapy. The meditation technique of 
practicing silence has been used for centuries. Meditation retreats where you are encouraged only to speak when absolutely necessary can be refreshing and rejuvenating.
Why is practicing silence so beneficial? When you refuse to speak, you allow yourself to get in tune with the inner current of energy that flows through you, waiting to teach you about things you have been ignoring due to the constant outer stimulus of external events. Silence allows you to process events, discover epiphanies and tap into important discoveries. It also allows healing on a dynamic level, since your emotional and mental energy is allowed to calm, settle and heal when you consciously block out external worries, pressures and concerns.It is said that times of silence act as healing times where past hurts and experiences can be processed and released with great effectiveness.
You may want to practice silence at a spiritual retreat center or a yoga retreat. You can spend a concentrated time of silence, engaging only in your inner dialogue and allowing the cool, refreshing bath of silence to rejuvenate your soul. Many retreat centers provide yoga, guided meditation and supplementary holistic healing techniques that may enhance your experience.
You can also decide to practice silence in your own home or on a getaway. Consider booking a room at a monastery for a week or staying in your home for an extended period of time with no music, reading, television or talking. Refuse to have eye contact with others you encounter, enjoy meals by yourself (pay special attention to the flavors, the textures and the enjoyment of eating) and enjoy a time of getting in touch with your inner world. If you must have a break, consider writing in a journal.