Welcome to this moment, this indescribable space, where everything dwells and no one nor no-thing is turned away. All is welcome here, all are allowed to play. This moment gently invites us to Be, encouraging us to drop our expectations and any thing else that gets in the way…of freedom, peace, and joy. In fact, all of these exist right now, so let’s dive deep into the unknown, only to find that we are supported every step we take.
*images taken during this evening’s silent sitting
A narration of a recent silent sitting:
I sit, my bottom rests on a towel that lies over the sand. The instruction is to “Just Be.”
A thought sensation floats by “shouldn’t you be doing something other than this?”
I notice the sensation. Without conscious intention, a smile appears on my face.
Another sensation appears “you have other things you need to be doing.”
I notice without responding.
The thoughts linger, and that’s okay.
I notice.
The sun’s warmth is felt on my skin and gradually transitions from warm to hot.
I notice.
A bird flies overhead, so close the wind from its wings creates a breeze,
I notice.
The sound of the ocean waves gently washing up to the shore appears.
I notice.
The thoughts intensify “this is a waste of everyone’s time!”
The sensation is followed by a wave of anxiety.
The anxiety is housed within my stomach, creating a feeling as if someone is squeezing it gently.
I notice.
A thought asks “Who wastes their time sitting in silence anyways?”
Anxiety heightens.
I notice.
There is a void of thought.
I notice.
Another thought sensation appears “you overcame it! You successfully watched the thoughts pass.”
Happiness enters into the space.
I notice.
Then, there is nothing.
I notice.
Mahalo for reading! May you experience infinite peace and blessings!
With love and appreciation,
Candace
“If you listen closely enough to the silence,
you may just hear something incredible: You.” -Jeff Foster
Yesterday, I had a blast hosting another free silent retreat session! The retreats are held on Magic Island Beach Park from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. We spend a total of 45 minutes in silence and take the final minutes to discuss our experience. The instruction is to simply Be. Allow whatever arises to arise and let it all fall away on its own terms; no resistance, just Being. While the instruction is simple, it can be a challenge. Many find it very difficult to just Be because we are accustomed to operating in the world based on memories, habits, and stories. We allow the memories in our minds to control our lives and often believe that just Being is not enough. Rarely are we just ourselves, dropping our stories and agendas. A dear friend of mine Simon Jones said yesterday “Drop all the programming, it’s not about being perfect or imperfect. It’s about BEING.” These retreats are an opportunity to experience the rawness and beauty of just being yourself while also connecting with others. They are an opportunity to see who you truly are and to recognize that you are perfect just as you are. I’m grateful for the privilege to host these retreats!
“You need not worry about your worries. Just be. Do not try to be quiet; do
not make ‘being quiet’ into a task to be performed. Don’t be restless about
‘being quiet’, miserable about ‘being happy’. Just be aware that you are and
remain aware — don’t say: ‘yes, I am; what next?’ There is not ‘next’ in ‘I am’. It
is a timeless state.” -Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj
Mahalo for reading! May you experience infinite peace and blessings!
With love & appreciation,
Candace
