Silent Aha!s
In this busy 24/7 world, we rarely take time completely for ourselves, where there is no goal. No agenda. No next step.
Our lives are BUSY, brimming full of opportunities that are too enticing to turn down—for us, for our children or for our families.
Our bodies and our psyches haven’t kept pace with the rapid evolution of things like email, texting, IMing, Twitter, etc. and so we pay a price. It could be an external price, like failing health or high blood pressure or divorce. In many cases, it’s an internal price like burn out, lack of passion in our work or life, depression, anxiety or despair.
This is where silence comes in.
Most sacred texts teach about the power of silence. And all of today’s contemporary teachers on personal growth hale silence as a critical tool, a tool that allows you to tap into your inherent, internal wisdom. Yet most people haven’t gotten around to silence. And silence, coupled with stillness, is not something that is taught as part of the mainstream culture, at least not in this part of the world.
Why do we avoid silence? Because it’s unknown. Because it’s hard to find. Because we might not be able to do it. Because it’s scary!
Silent Aha!s Retreats
At Riverside Retreats we make silence accessible to the average, first-time participant who is slightly suspicious or even completely terrified of silence.
We start by offering a 24-hour period of silence. One day in your life. One day dedicated to you. One day where you literally have nothing to do. No demands. No deadlines. No list. No rushing. Not even any cooking! Your every need is anticipated and taken care of so all you have to do is be with you.
How They Work
Our Silent Aha!s retreats are self-guided, meaning you will choose how you will spend your silent time. Typically participants will sit and reflect, walk in nature, nap, journal, and/or read some inspirational material—all done at your leisure. In this case it’s not about what you do; it’s more about what you are not doing during your retreat that will enrich your experience.
Silent Aha!s Retreat Schedule for outline of the Silent Aha!s retreat weekend.
Gorgeous Setting
We believe that nature is the best setting, which is why we hold our silent retreats at various locations around the quaint town of McCall, in the central mountains of Idaho. Always your retreat is surrounded by forest and nature.
Immediately upon arriving you’ll drink in the pine-scented, crisp mountain air. You will feel the calm and sense of order and stability that nature offers.
And you will delight in the wildlife, which has much wisdom to impart. Birds fly overhad or fish in the nearby water. Deer come to feed. Fox stalk in the tall grasses. And chipmunks play their endless games amongst the trees. The trees are a world unto themselves!
Whether you are outside (nestled under blankets in the winter months), sitting on a porch, tucked in a nook, or perhaps cozied up in front of the fireplace, nature envelops, entertains and instructs.
The perfect place to simply be.
Accommodations
For our Silent Aha!s retreats we include clean shared, accommodations with individual beds. Private rooms are available upon request and for an additional fee. (Hint: the earliest registrants get the best rooms!)
Give Yourself One Day
Our Silent Aha!s retreats are purposely simple so anyone can experience them and fall in love with the gift of silence.
Can I do it? What will I find? Will it be awful? Will I be emotional? These are common questions and fears. Here is what our past clients have found: perspective, peace, joy, hope, insights and relaxation.
Also, see “Client Aha!s” page on website for past participants’ comments.
One day is all it takes.
Reserve Your Space:
Retreats for 2013 season are:
February 23-24, 2013
Apr 27-28, 2013
All retreats start at 10 a.m. on Saturday and end at 2 p.m. on Sunday. Retreat fees are all-inclusive and cover 4 meals (2 lunches, dinner and breakfast), snacks, drinks and one night’s lodging.
Cost: $327
A $100 deposit guarantees your spot. Balance due at time of retreat or you may pay in full now. (If you would like to participate in our Three Easy Payments program, please inquire and we will arrange for that.)
