photo credit: Deanna Hurley Photography
In today’s ever-connected world, where our senses are constantly bombarded by notifications, chatter, and noise, the thought of spending even a few hours in silence can seem daunting for some. But, as I recently discovered, it can also be one of the most transformative and rejuvenating experiences of your life.
A Step into the Silence
I recently embarked on my second 48-hour silent retreat, a journey that requires me to step out of my comfort zone. No technology. No speaking. No agenda. No distractions. No answering to anyone. Just me and God, my thoughts, and nature. It wasn’t a spontaneous decision; it was an intentional choice to get away with Him to seek His presence and voice, and to disconnect from the bustle of everyday life.
The First Few Hours
The beginning was the toughest. After handing in my phone, spending some time in worship with the group attending, and being led into silence through a guided prayer, the sudden disconnect and absence of noise – both external and self-created – was almost deafening. I felt an urge to check my phone, talk to someone, or to simply be doing something. I even found myself antsy and irritable because I was having a hard time settling into the quiet and stillness. But as the hours passed, I slowly found my rhythm in simply being.
Training the Spiritual Muscle
During the retreat, the realization dawned upon me: silence, much like any discipline, is similar to training a muscle. The initial stages might be filled with resistance and discomfort, but with persistence, intentionality, and leaning into the process, it grows a little easier. The more we intentionally carve out moments to be still and spend time in quiet with God, even if it’s just while doing the dishes at home or driving in your car with no music on, the easier it becomes to enter that sacred space. Just as physical muscles strengthen with consistent exercise, our spiritual muscles strengthen each time we deliberately seek the voice of the Holy Spirit in the quiet.
Deep Reflections
One of the biggest revelations I had during the silence was how much noise we create in our own minds. Stripped of daily distractions, I began to dive deep into my thoughts, fears, dreams, and aspirations, as well as spent a lot of time reflecting and thanking God for all He’s done in and through my life. LOTS of questions also arose, ones I had been avoiding or didn’t even know existed. God, are there any lies I am currently believing that are keeping me from stepping into all that You have for me? Are there any things or people that have too much time in my life? What do You want to tell me or show me during this silence? Are there places where my heart has become hardened? Who do You want to be for me in this season of my life?
Emerging from the Silence
By the end of the retreat, I felt deeply rested and rejuvenated. There was a clarity of thought, a refreshed spirit, and a deeper sense of gratitude. It was a profound realization that sometimes, silence isn’t just golden; it’s transformative.
Your Call to Adventure
While a silent retreat might not be for everyone, the principle remains the same: We all need moments, however brief, to disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with ourselves and God. He’s always pursuing our hearts and desires our attention, so whether it’s through silence, prayer, hiking, painting, or any other medium, it’s essential to find something that centers and rejuvenates you.
If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed by the pace of life, consider this an invitation. An invitation to step out of your comfort zone, to challenge yourself, and to discover what truly renews your spirit.
Your Next Step
If you’re interested in trying out a silent retreat, I highly recommend the Come Away With Me Silent Retreats with the organization I attended through, called Kallah. You can find out more details and register for your retreat at kallahculture.org where they offer these incredible silent retreats around the US.
For those seeking ongoing guidance on their personal journey of growth and transformation, I encourage you to join me inside of Jade’s coaching program, Designer Growth Club. Through carefully curated content, coaching, and a community of visionary women of faith, you’ll be given the tools, techniques, and support needed to go after growth and walk in all that God has for you.
Join Designer Growth Club now and embark on your transformative journey.
