Silence.
What emotions rise up within you when you imagine yourself being still, silent and in solitude?
When I experienced my first silent retreat, I encountered a rush of excitement anticipation for what might happen, a hint of angst, and whole lot of “what the heck am I going to do for weekend if I can’t talk?” Thankfully, I soon discovered that silence is a beautiful gift given us by God.
What is the purpose of a silent retreat? I imagine it like taking a turn off the road of your daily routine, and giving up some time to worship God through simply being. To let go of all the worries and responsibilities that wait for you at home, and focusing instead on being present in the moment with God, listening to him, and allowing him to be in control. A retreat like this is for anyone, whether you’re introverted or extroverted, young or old, creative or logical – God has something has something to say to you.
This past weekend, I went on another silent retreat at Mamaku Grove in Golden Bay, along with other members of the diocese. This time, I helped lead as well as participate in it myself.
Experiencing the retreat in both of these roles shifted my focus from receiving and looking inward to asking what is God doing and how I can participate in his work. All the while remaining present in the moment and receiving this time as a gift – knowing that God is in control and at work within each of us, aligning our spirit and being within him.
So what now? What do you do after a retreat like this?
Firstly, you turn back onto the road of your daily routine, picking up your responsibilities again, and life continues on.
However, it is here where you are presented with a choice. On the one hand, you can remain mostly unchanged, reflecting fondly (or not so fondly, depending on your experience!) on the retreat as a time where you were still and silent. Or you can allow the conversation between you and God to continue as life continues, knowing that you are always invited to take a moment to be still and know that he is God.
Check out other articles in the
series below.
More articles in the
series are to come.
We have invited these writers to share their experiences, ideas and opinions in the hope that these will provoke thought, challenge you to go deeper and inspire you to put your faith into action. These articles should not be taken as the official view of the Nelson Diocese on any particular matter.
Silence.
What emotions rise up within you when you imagine yourself being still, silent and in solitude?
When I experienced my first silent retreat, I encountered a rush of excitement anticipation for what might happen, a hint of angst, and whole lot of “what the heck am I going to do for weekend if I can’t talk?” Thankfully, I soon discovered that silence is a beautiful gift given us by God.
What is the purpose of a silent retreat? I imagine it like taking a turn off the road of your daily routine, and giving up some time to worship God through simply being. To let go of all the worries and responsibilities that wait for you at home, and focusing instead on being present in the moment with God, listening to him, and allowing him to be in control. A retreat like this is for anyone, whether you’re introverted or extroverted, young or old, creative or logical – God has something has something to say to you.
This past weekend, I went on another silent retreat at Mamaku Grove in Golden Bay, along with other members of the diocese. This time, I helped lead as well as participate in it myself.
Experiencing the retreat in both of these roles shifted my focus from receiving and looking inward to asking what is God doing and how I can participate in his work. All the while remaining present in the moment and receiving this time as a gift – knowing that God is in control and at work within each of us, aligning our spirit and being within him.
So what now? What do you do after a retreat like this?
Firstly, you turn back onto the road of your daily routine, picking up your responsibilities again, and life continues on.
However, it is here where you are presented with a choice. On the one hand, you can remain mostly unchanged, reflecting fondly (or not so fondly, depending on your experience!) on the retreat as a time where you were still and silent. Or you can allow the conversation between you and God to continue as life continues, knowing that you are always invited to take a moment to be still and know that he is God.
Check out other articles in the
series below.
More articles in the
series are to come.
