Just a quick note to say that we'll be away for the next ten days, as we are going up to Shelburne Falls, MA to take part in a 10-day silent retreat over New Year's. We did it two years ago, and it was memorable. And since we like to believe that we eat our own cooking, this is definitely a minimalist holiday and a total decluttering of the senses for 2006.
In our absence, the incomparable Jill will be manning the fort and Alec will be back on next week, January 2, so you can head over to AT:LA and see what he's found as well as giving him plenty of company. All the best and Happy New Year!
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Comments (1)
Congratulations!
I went to my first retreat many years ago in Massachusetts. I went back several times to volunteer and had incredible experiences in the vegetarian kitchen....and was welcomed back for my what the volunteers called my "metta" potatotes (which everyone loved and was based on a recipe I modified from the 21 Club cookbook!).
It was truly one of the best things I have ever done in my life, as I learned a practice which is quite powerful, even though I am unable to maintain it in the city. Since I was trained as a lawyer and seem to talk more rapidly than most, my Vipassana roommates were astounded when I finally started talking when silence was broken. Even THEY could not believe it!
I wanted to experience as similar meditation this year in NYC at Jivamukti. I lasted a total of one hour: between the posing yoginis, the fidgeting of the public who were in attendance, the sirens and singing revelers in Union Square, I left after about one hour.
Instead, at 10:19 p.m., I bought a ticket for the 10:20 showing of AVATAR in 3D across the street....I had a much more peaceful entry into 2010 as a result.
At least I know myself well enough to know when I need to change my surroundings....as to fully decluttering....I'm on the path!