My 3 day Silent Retreat in a Convent...

At the Wildfires Festival in the summer Tyler Stanton spoke of the importance of Silence and Solitude - following the model of Jesus. So I thought I would begin this new season with a 3 Day Silent Retreat in a Convent in Oxofordshire. St Marys Wantage is a rich blend of old and new - a beautiful ornate 19th century chapel and a modern one. There are lots of windows in the Retreat Wing with lots of chairs to sit and reflect. The gardens and grounds are immaculate, again with chairs and benches to sit. There are water features too. The bedroom was small, clean and comfortable. It was very quiet. no talking - to people or on the phone. Silence. Holy Silence they call it. I did join the nuns for Vespers when they sing Psalms accapello in the chapel. Beautiful. And authentic. Psalms afterall is a hymn book. Day 1 is slowing down and learning to sit still in silence. Day 2 is easier and by Day 3 you realise the benefit - it has been a good time to Reflect, Recharge, Reset.