The Day of Silence followed Guru Puja day with the participants staying over to the Sunday. During the night there was a heavy rain storm but the Day of Silence itself evolved into beautiful sunshine. It began with an early start and an asana session at 7.00 a.m. Shirley was able to give us instructions whilst we were all getting used to the idea that we would not be speaking. The result was a lovely peaceful session which encouraged us to go deep into our postures.
Silence at meals is nothing new but whereas normally we have to make the effort to be quiet, , this time it was a completely natural transition to sit eating breakfast in silence with the sun shining on us in the conservatory.
At 10.00 a.m. we assembled in the ashram garden for our walk through the woods at the back of the ashram. The birds were singing loudly and the woods were fresh after the rain in the night. We walked in single file along the narrow paths, each person alone with their experience. In silence the obligation to make small talk is lifted and perceptions can expand. Often the senses are heightened and one becomes very aware of what is happening outside oneself and how vibrant (and noisy) nature can be. At other times one’s mind turns inwards & concentrates so deeply on your own thoughts you are barely aware of what is going on externally. Some people find they are filled with an overwhelming urge to start communicating whilst others feel relaxed and happy that they don’t have to make the effort. All these experiences can come and go in the same person at different times.
After our walk we retired for a period of self-study or rest. This could take any form from wandering round the ashram & gardens to retiring to our rooms. We could read, meditate or simply lie on our beds and relax. It was wonderful to be ‘given permission’ away from our busy lives, to spend time in this way.
At 12.00 we all appeared to take up our various Karma yoga roles. We had prepared ourselves the previous night by agreeing what our tasks would be and finding the tools and materials we would need whilst we could still speak & ask questions. Karma yoga or selfless service benefits the person or organisation you are helping, but it also has a very beneficial role for the person who is doing the duty. It is an opportunity to practise doing the task to the best of our ability & then freely offering the fruits of our action for the benefit of others. Ideally we would keep this mental state to the forefront throughout our daily lives & this short Karma yoga practice helped us to remember to do this.
After a delicious lunch supervised by Shirley we met up to do some chanting and yoga nidra before finishing at 4.00 p.m. Afterwards it was good to be able to have a chat with people over a cup of tea. Silence is golden but the opportunity to share our thoughts and observations with others was also very welcome.
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