Designing a passionate life is enhanced by silence and deep listening. I just returned from a two-day silence and deep listening retreat. I had never been to a silent retreat so I didn't know what to expect or how I would respond. I was a little concerned because I didn't know if I would 'get' it or be able to be silent with other people around for that long.
In our culture we are constantly bombarded with sounds. We use the sounds to distract ourselves from our thoughts or circumstances, to occupy our minds, or to zone out. What happens when you are silent, self-reflective, and listen deeply?
The rules of the retreat were simple. No talking, no eye-contact with other people, no kind of communication with anyone else at the retreat, no music, books to distract ourselves or activities that created any sound, so no hair dryers (that was a challenge for me but I made it). We were to create our own space within the space of the retreat. We were to listen to our inner-voice, inner-guide, intuition, Spirit, or whatever name you give to that part of you that provides answers when you pay attention to it and listen deeply.
The retreat included walking meditations, sitting meditations, self-reflection time, and conscious eating. There are all forms of meditation and I find walking meditations in nature to be very powerful. When I walk in nature my mind is totally present to what I'm experiencing and as a result my heart is open. I can connect with my Spirit and listen to what comes up.
I found the sitting meditations to be harder. I kept 'trying' to hear my Spirit and was getting stone-walled. I was very frustrated but kept at it. It wasn't until Sunday morning that I had a break through. What I realized was that my mind was in the way. It was so busy trying to hear my Spirit that it blocked me from hearing. When I worked through the emotions blocking me, my Spirit had lots of things to say to me and I could hardly keep up.
What does your inner-voice want to say to you? When is the last time you were silent and listened deeply? What is it you would like to ask your inner-voice? When is the last time that you totally immersed yourself in your food and ate consciously? What would your food taste like? I suggest you try a small slice of time in silence and deep listening.
For me, living a passionate life means being silent and deep listening. What does it mean to you? For additional information on how to start living a passionate life, sign up for my free PDD report.
