What I learned about myself during the Silent Retreat

Well...I survived the All Day Silent Retreat...more than that, I actually learned things about myself.

It was not only a day of silence, but we weren't even suppose to look at each other. We had to keep our eyes down...because people share a lot of emotions with their eyes...and we didn't even get to talk during lunch...we were told to sit away from each other and enjoy the hour for lunch...this gave me a chance to actually taste my food. I don't know how often I finish a meal and couldn't tell you anything about it. I choke it down...I don't enjoy it. I was amazed at how much I enjoyed just taking time to 'taste' my lunch. Although, I did find that I don't really like strawberry/banana yogurt...I always thought I did, but when I took the time to eat it, I realized it is a bit...sour...so will have to try some other flavors...grin...

So what else did I learn about myself?

1. I can stay quiet all day without my nose my bleeding. This was such a relief to me. No convulsions...no passing out...I made it through the whole day without causing a medical situation...Thank you very much...
2. I actually enjoyed the experience. It was very calming and peaceful. I even drove home with the radio off and slower than usual...just enjoying the day. When I got home, I text Hubs and sat down and read a book. No computer, no t.v...just quiet reading. I loved it...
3. I realized that I get an hour lunch...why am I not taking it? I sit at my desk and answer phones and eat my hot lunch cold most of the time...and I work 5 minutes from a park! So starting tomorrow, I will be heading to the park & taking my full hour...if it's not raining/snowing, I will walk through the park, if it is raining/snowing, then I will read a book in my car...
4. I will find time each day to enjoy the quiet...enjoy the moment...enjoy the day...enjoy my life...

This was another AHA moment for me...I'm finally realizing that the thing I thought were important...really weren't...my family, my friends, myself...those are the things that are important and I should be enjoying them and not worrying about things I can't change. I wish I would have known about this class years ago. I feel like I've missed out on so much happiness because I was worrying so much.

I found out that because I took the class, I will be invited back twice a year (Spring & Fall) to future All Day Silent Retreats...and this is something that I will continue to do. This was such an eye opening experience for me...and I can't wait to see what other changes will happen because of this class...Hugs...