peace and quiet

I'm off to spend three days at a silent ashram. What's that you say? And why would anyone do such a thing? Well after having decluttered every square inch of my house and three months of stopping spending money unconsciously, it is now time I did a little interior work on myself. I will be immersed in complete silence and concentrating on deep meditation. I've read that being silent is like observing the space in a room instead of the objects in it. I've also heard it said that silence does not separate us from our inner world, but rather links us to it. If you have been reading my blog for any time at all you know how important good, clean, compassionate food is to me. I spend a great deal of time, growing, reading about, shopping for and preparing food that I will eat. This food nourishes my body and helps keep me healthy. But what about the nutritive value of the thoughts I put in my head? Honestly, at times I'm putting in what could only be described as sheer junk food. Guilt, worry, perfectionism and control to name a few.
Silent meditation is a beautiful way to clear negative thoughts and replace them with healthier ones. So off I go and I promise not to come back chanting.

Meanwhile, I'll leave you with a beautiful meditation on peace that I hope speaks to you as much as it speaks to me.



i am in the temple of quietness...
peace fills my body, peace fills my heart and dwells within my love.

peace within, without, everywhere.

infinite peace surrounds my life and permeates all the moments of my existence.
peace unto myself

peace unto my family
peace unto my nation

peace unto my world
peace unto my cosmos.
~p. yogananda

23 comments

  1. I tried to leave a blank comment which I believe would be perfect for this post, but the blog wouldn't let me. So have a peaceful, quiet, reflective time alone in your head. Sounds wonderful. Your house " simply white " is wonderful as well. I saw no black licorice in a white candy dish, I dare you!!!!!!!!!!!

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  2. You can't even ohhhhhhm? I think I'd last about 10 minutes. I hope it's a fruitful experience. Can't wait to hear about it.

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  3. Something I would like to try! I really like the decluttering piece. I am working on that as well. Getting rid of things I don't need. Best thing to do in the world is to control spending. Good for you!

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  4. I should add that your photo is perfect: A single flower in peaceful solitude.

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  5. Sounds perfect. Lucky you. Enjoy your time!

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  6. Enjoy the retreat Janet, I'm sure the whole experience will be incredibly worthwhile.
    Wish I had the stamina to maintain three days of silence. I don't do silence at all well.
    xx

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  7. This sounds interesting, Janet. I imagine you are in the second day of silence right about now. Can't wait to hear (well, read actually) more about it!
    Deborah

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  8. Dear J
    You are a stronger woman then me I couldn't do it!!! But good luck. I hope it is what you want it to be. I spend too much time worrying too although I never feel guilt. If you solve the worry let me know x

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  9. Janet,
    It sounds like a wonderfully restorative retreat. Wishing you peace, warmth, love and light.
    xo
    Trina

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  10. Oh silence retreats are supposed to be so amazing. I would love to go to one also. I hope it is enriching and rewarding and just what will soothe your soul. Yes, we do put a lot of crap through our poor little minds...

    xo Terri

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  11. I love your humour Janet ('I promise not to come back chanting'). The meditation is also gorgeous, I plan to borrow it. Enjoy your silent time.

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  12. ... may your cells and mind be filled with peace and joy, my friend!!!! and may the Spirit in you rejoyce with this experience.
    Shanti, shanti, shanti eh

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  13. How relaxing......happy sunny week............love Ria.....

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  14. Have a wonderful time - I agree, monitoring my thoughts and the endless stuff that fills my mind on a daily basis is something I am really working on.

    xo
    Claudia

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  15. I love this Janet! So very 'Eat.Pray.Love' which I am reading now for the 4th time in anticipation of the movie coming out next month! I am in India and I recently read this passage which always speaks to me, and reminds me now of this post!
    "...The resting place of the mind is the heart. The only thing the mind hears all day is clanging-bells and noise and argument, and all it wants is quietude. The only place the mind will ever find peace is inside the silence of the heart. That's where you need to go."

    Wishing you a peaceful journey and may you find the silence of your heart!

    Ham-sa,
    joan

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  16. how lovely and inspiring. i can't wait to hear about it. xo,jools

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  17. Wishing you peace and restoration...your spirit will be lighter.
    Whispering from here...
    Hugs from the Hostess
    XO

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  18. Wow Janet...you are one strong girl! Have a wonderful restful and peaceful 3 days!

    xo kelley

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  19. I like peace and quiet so it sounds heavenly to me.

    Connie

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  20. have a lovely retreat Janet, hope you find it enriching and restful and everthing you want it to be, I would love to become a wise, serene person but in the meantime I will continue to rattle, rattle, rattle....Bx

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  21. hope you are having a lovely THurday! back from your retreat? take care...verbena cottage

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  22. I'm so impressed that you did this, it sounds like an enlightening experience, good for you!

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kindness is never out of style.

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