Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SILENT RETREATS
spend a weekend listening to silence
SPIRITUAL CENTERS NATIONWIDE
To hear the human heart, you need silence.
—Fr. Edward Farrell, director of the Sacred Heart Seminary of Detroit
95 |
One of the main characters in
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
is an alien named
Ford Prefect. Although he acts like most Earthlings, even posing as an out-of-work actor, he
is completely bamboozled by the fact that Earthlings seem to talk all the time—even if only
to repeat the obvious. He concocts a number of theories for this odd behavior, including: “If
human beings don't keep exercising their lips, their brains start working.” And not only does
all the lip exercising begin to sound like Charlie Brown's unintelligible, monotone teacher, but
it's compounded by all the honking horns, ringing phones, buzzing computers, and nonstop
humming of technology as well. No wonder we all want to scream: “Just shut up!”
If you long to turn down the noise, to turn inward for a change, consider signing on for a
silent retreat. A silent retreat is as simple as it sounds—a day, a weekend, or even longer spent
in complete silence. Although monks have been doing it for centuries, the secular community
is now catching on to the immense power of silence. The fact that going without words moves
people so profoundly (just talk to anyone who has tried it) demonstrates how unusual silence
has become in ordinary life.
Some folks take silent retreats as a religious exercise or because they're contemplating a
major life change. Others do it simply to strip themselves of nonessentials, to find that oasis
within themselves. Since there's no talking, you don't need your past, your opinions, your
fashion strategies, or your best jokes.
Many places offer programs built around silence, from Buddhist, Hindu, and Christian
monasteries to nonsectarian retreat centers. No two silent retreats are designed the same. Some
are intensive, long-term programs, while others last just two or three days and include spiritual
rituals or other temporary interruptions to the silence such as lectures, group discussions, or
one-on-one spiritual instruction. Still others allow you to do it yourself. These centers are open
