I was having dinner with a mentor and friend. I shared that lately my energy has been feeling much more inward, desiring more personal time and solitude than ever.
I said that I have been looking for a silent retreat since last year. It requires me to drive 5-6 hours or fly to a city then drive 2-3 hours. I haven't been able to make it happen yet.
He asked me what a silent retreat would allow me to do. I said reflections and learning (about me and things), and self connection.
He asked me why I think I need to go far away to a silent retreat to practice what I want. I said it's better to be taken out of my normal life and my conditioned patterns.
He went on to challenge me, with a tone that's calm and not pushy.
"What if you can practice observations and reflections in your everyday life, during your conversations and interactions with others? Would that allow you to reflect and learn, and be more present? Isn't it the idea to integrate what you want in your regular life?"
I paused. He honored the silence.
"I am learning right now." I said as I continued reflecting, my eyes looking up and to the side.
As I was ready to bring my gaze back to him, I shared what felt like an "aha moment."
"This is a weakness of mine, something I have been working on. I think I can be more mindful to be an observer in my daily life. Maybe that IS a better solution than seeking a silent retreat somewhere that's harder to reach."
By pausing, being more reflective, and by being more of an observer in this very conversation, I had a new discovery about how I could take a different approach that is more practical and sustainable.
I was looking for an escape and an ideal environment for solitude and reflections, and during this dinner I found a much more accessible way. Of course I can always attend a silent retreat to deepen the reflective practice in the future, but there is no need to wait for that ideal condition.
It's interesting to observe my own perspective change in a short conversation. I was actually able to practice what I seek right in the moment!
Is there something you really want to practice but may be looking for an ideal condition to start? What if you didn't wait? What if you could find a way to incorporate it now, in your daily life? How might that change your life?
