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"....People who go on
retreats today are not necessarily religious; they may come from any
background and any age range. What they have in common is a desire for
silence, solitude and reflection. These desires are innate to the human
condition; they are not bound to a particular time, religion or set of
beliefs. For those who want spiritual guidance and training as well as
simple solitude, there are many paths to choose from." ....Retreat - Time
Apart for Silence & Solitude by Roger Housden
There is an ancient and
unbroken tradition of people who withdraw from the marketplace for
meditation. This withdrawal can range from a day of solitude to the
dedication of one’s entire life as a recluse or a member of a religious
order. You will benefit by devoting at least a few days or weeks to intense
inner work. You needn’t become a monk, but an occasional retreat accelerates
your progress I often tell my students to take one day a month or set aside
a weekend for solitude. Should you try it, the directions are simple. Go
into an empty room if you have one, or a large closet, if it gets enough
fresh air. Don’t see or speak to anyone. Don’t read or study. Simply sit
quietly, aware of yourself and the world around you. Do some formal
meditation practices if you wish. Solitude shows you the way your mind
creates your universe.
From JOURNEY OF
AWAKENING : A MEDITATORS GUIDEBOOK By Ram Dass
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