A perfect day that started in a sweatshirt with yoga practice under a canopy of oak trees and ended with a sound bath in a Japanese tea room. We first met in the Japanese tea room where you take off your shoes and your status, all are equal. Introductions were brief, then we walked to an oak grove for yoga. My dream day had begun.
My friend and yoga instructor Susan offered a 5 hour silent retreat on Jefferson Island, a place that I’ve been to a number of times over the years, for field trips to weddings, but never to soak up the spirit of silence. This was a gift to myself that I knew I needed. That I took the time and money to do.
Noble Silence
Silence becomes noble when it is an inner silence. Inner silence makes us available for ourselves, our loved ones and the wonders of life…breathing in…I become aware of my body. Breathing out…I let go of tension in my body.
As we traveled from place to place, Susan gave us cards with spiritual messages on them like the one above. We were encouraged to contemplate their messages; however, nothing felt forced at all. I felt as though I could be myself totally and free to accept or reject any message that came my way.
I embraced the blank journal she gave us and wrote as I was inspired. One of those entries:
I’m falling in love with silence, easy love.
I love the slight breeze.
I love the majestic peacocks.
I love being present, accepting, and open.
I love the lake, the solace of pilings where birds are nesting.I am a nest, a place of rest,
notebook draft, Margaret Simon
a place safe and calm.
Wisdom waits at the door
to be discovered, molded into inner power.
I am here.
I own courage.
I’ve conquered the darkness.
God’s light is on in me.
The Lotus Pond
The lotus is a flower that grows in muddy ponds and swamps. It is a symbol of spiritual growth and enlightenment. In the midst of chaotic circumstances, one can remain grounded and find inner peace and clarity.
My hope is that in this small post, I have passed on a peace that passes understanding. That you are feeling the knowledge and love of God (or your own inner spirit). We are all loved. We all have the silence that gives us strength. Namaste.
Reflections on the Teche 
Margaret, this is the ultimate in self-care and spirituality, and I loved every picture, every word! Oh, what a gift – of silence, of unhurriedness, of inner strength and divine wisdom. I wish they had a silent retreat here. I would soak this up! Thank you for sharing this. I appreciate it so much – and I appreciate you, too!
The next time she does one I’ll let you know. We have a direct flight from Atlanta to Lafayette!
Thank you, Margaret.
I do feel your peace and calmness radiating from your story and poem. I took an intentional 2 hour walk in the park the other day and truly enjoyed my own peace and quiet. Glad you had your camera with you. Does anything match the peaceful shade of a majestic live oak?
Namaste. The peace certainly flowed out of your writing through my screen. I could feel it. That does sound like such a dream day to me. These lines in the poem you shared made an impact on me – “I am a nest, a place of rest,
a place safe and calm.”
Oh, this is glorious, Margaret! I love silent retreats; I have gone on two, both previous to the pandemic…your words remind me that it is time to go again. Silence is invigorating! I love these lines from your poem so much, “I am a nest, a place of rest,
a place safe and calm.” May the bliss of your retreat stay with you for a long while. Thanks for sharing!
Margaret, you did pass on the peace of this silent retreat to us through your post. It is lovely. There are so many lines I love in your poem–like the ones Maureen and Cathy mentioned, and I’m also going to mention:
“I own courage.
I’ve conquered the darkness.
God’s light is on in me.”
Amen, sister.
I’m so glad you made space in your busy life to do this, Margaret, and that it was so richly rewarding. I have long been intrigued by the idea of a silent retreat, but have yet to take one. There’s such a strong sense of peace and tranquility shining throughout this piece. Thanks for sharing.
I feel you make that space for yourself when you go out and take pictures. Your photos always give me a sense of peace.
Mmm… yes, you passed on peace. I’m reading this not long before bed, and both the cards and the poems – even the descriptions! – have slowed my breathing. I dream of taking a silent retreat. One day… just not yet.
Thank you for this post full of beautiful prose and a sense of peace. I loved “take off your shoes and take off your status”. I also love the metaphor of the nest and Wisdom waiting at the door. Beautiful writing!
Inspired by your beautiful and peaceful retreat, I went for a playful walk in the park along the river and through the woods embracing nature’s calm. Thank you! 🙂
I find these solitary walks essential to my mental health. I’m glad you gave yourself the time.
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SO glad I took time this morning to return to Tuesday’s posts as I missed your slice. I feel your peace strongly. That tree!! That peacock!! A day outside soaking up, in silence. What a gift. I also love the the beginning. “We took off our shoes and your status.” A perfect line that sets the tone. Super excited to see you next week in Ohio!! Still pinching myself that you asked me to be a part of your brilliant workshop!!
[…] am still riding the wave of a silent retreat last weekend. I wrote about it for Slice of Life and This Photo Wants to be a Poem. Our guide, my friend Susan, gave us a small notebook. The […]