The joy of silence

For most of us, finding time for ourselves is a constant challenge; yet the increasing popularity of yoga and meditation retreats in part reflects a real need for finding quiet-time in the midst of non-stop lives.

A recent piece in The Guardian will strike a chord with anyone who longs for solitude. Yet the writer points our that, for many others, the concept of spending time alone is wacky, weird, or plain scary.

From a yoga perspective, finding time - even a couple of minutes a day - to become still and centred is a necessity, rather than a luxury.  Without taking conscious time out, we risk sky-high stress levels, and losing our natural connection to who we are.

A yoga or meditation retreat is a wonderful way to do this. One step further: going on silent retreat may mean we are with other people constantly, but being in human company without constant (at times, needless) chatter is another thing altogether -  and an experience everyone should try just once.

But if heading off on retreat is not an option, try weaving a little time into your everyday life.

Prioritise this time - a few minutes, perhaps; it's all too easy to make excuses to keep busy. When you have this time, sit still, switch off the phone, and close the door. Sit with the spine tall, and breath a little deeper.

Slow down, take your awareness to your breath, and become present to the here and now. Relish this short time of silence.

Lucia Cockcroft, editor

Check out our round-up of Easter and Spring retreats here.