Silent Retreat

I spent my Sunday in silence, here:




I was happily surprised at how much energy the meditation generated in me. Even as I walked as slowly as possible, transferring weight from one foot to the other in slow motion, I felt like I wanted to climb a mountain or dance around joyfully.


While I sat in humble meditation, eyes closed, spine straight, I envisioned myself being silly and playful, the opposite of the serious scene around me.


There is something powerful about a group of yogis meditating together. Energy abounds. At one point in the morning, I wanted to hug every yogi in the group.


Chanting om together felt like such a powerful way to break the silence. Compassion buzzed in the room, in our strong and unwavering voices.


For one of the seated meditations, I spent a full 25 minutes inside the mantra, "I accept myself." The in-breath contained "I accept," and the out-breath, "myself." It was beautiful!


Today I'm enjoying sore shoulders and back muscles, a constant and pleasant reminder of my yoga retreat day. I'm looking forward to an epsom salt bath and my first Calm Within Chaos  Phoenix Rising class tonight. The yoga and reflection continue!



Above photo by me. Below illustration via Haute Yogini.