Every once in awhile, Kirk will go away to a nearby monastery and spend the weekend in complete silence. When I first found out that he did this I could hardly believe it. The idea of Kirk and silence did not compute. But almost immediately after I accepted the fact that he does it, I understood it. Kirk knows when he needs to slow down, gather energy rather than expend it, and check in with himself. He’s a go-go-go kind of person and it makes sense to me that he recharges with such an extreme-seeming action.
I thought of Kirk’s silent weekends tonight when I was driving home from class. I’ve got a lot going on and am desperate for some extended contemplation. I need to wrap my head around a bunch of ideas and situations. I need to know where I stand, or at least what I’m feeling. A weekend in silence is scary to me but also very, very enticing.
For now I’m hoping that if I state what I need, the universe might deliver a quiet moment or maybe even show me something I’ve been searching for:
I need time to reflect on the fact that two of my friend’s mothers died this week. I need to think of them and their families, and send the most intense love their way.
I need to soak in the perspective that these unfair deaths inevitably bring. I need to think of ways to be a better person and to love more because that’s the only answer I can think of.
I need to contemplate the work that lays before me. I need to remember why I do it, and let my memories fill me with passion and focus.
I need to smile at everyone, say thank you and mean it, have fun, find joy, and breathe deep.
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Lisa Fine - lisasfoods - I’ve been thinking about a lot of these things too lately. Have you read The Happiness Project? It makes me think so much more about the little things we can do every day to make ourselves and others happier, like being in touch or smiling.
Hope you’re doing okay, and find some of that contemplation and quiet time you’re wanting.
whitney - You’re so spot on. On Monday after going to the funeral I bought the Happiness Project. I’ve heard a lot about it.
I am doing ok, definitely. More like there are other people who are not ok, and I feel sad about it.
Teresa - I read The Happiness Project last year and it was SUCH an eye-opener.
Whit, I feel like there are so many ways you and I are living parellel lives lately. I too am experiencing sadness on behalf of others though things are okay for me. And I feel like the last few months (heck, the last few years!) have been so chaotic I haven’t had the space or freedom to sort through what it means or how I’ve changed.
I have been taking a yoga and meditation class at Healing Waters for the last four weeks and that has made a big difference. I have been meditating for at least 10 minutes most days and that does give me pause (though it isn’t always peaceful). It is good to be still for a little bit every day.
Kirk is one of the most complete people I have ever known. He is so grounded and comfortable with himself and his place in the universe. I really love that about him.
I admit that I also find the idea of the silent retreat oddly appealing. Ever since he came back from one of his trips this summer I have been thinking about how special such an experience could be.
I believe that contemplation is a necessary part of being human–otherwise we are just going through the motions.
courtney - xoxoxoxo
Weekend Reading Material: Week of November 15 « Lisa's Foods on the Move - [...] Reverb 10: My friend Whitney introduced me to Gwen Bell’s Best 09 last year, and this year she’s getting Reverb 10 ready. It [...]