Week 6, One-Day Silent Retreat

I attended my very first silent retreat and doing a bit of reflecting. Although I’m thoroughly enjoying the MBSR course that I’m enrolled in, I went into this particular part of the program with a whole bunch of resistance, feeling irked at the idea of a ‘virtual’ retreat or ‘silent’ retreat. In the end, I found it to be a valuable experience. Oddly enough, I can’t wait to do it again. Expectations are a funny thing!

One simple question that a facilitator asked us in the final moments of the retreat, which really struck me was: "What are you taking in?"

That might mean:
Who are the people surrounding you? Influencing you?
What is the media you're taking in?
What information do you seek to take in?
What food are you taking in?

And so I leave you with that. Things feel really tumultuous in the world, for many. Things might feel crazy in your personal life. Ask yourself if what you’re taking in is supporting you to feel better… or possibly not serving you at all.

I’m asking myself the very same thing today.