(not necessarily in that order)
My seclusion has ended and I’m back in the flow of life’s busyness.
But I spent a good portion of a week in silence, by myself, meditating, seeing beauty around me on my walks, enjoying every quiet moment…and I’m going to do my best to carry that peace into my daily life.
For tonight, I’m just really grateful.
“Silence and seclusion are the secrets of success. In this modern life of activity there is only one way to separate yourself from its ceaseless demands: get away from it once in a while.” — Paramhansa Yogananda
“Always remember that seclusion is the price of greatness. In this tremendously busy life, unless you are by yourself, you can never succeed.” — Paramhansa Yogananda
“Often we continue to suffer without making an effort to change; that is why we don’t find lasting peace and contentment. If we would persevere we would certainly be able to conquer all difficulties. We must make the effort, that we may go from misery to happiness, from despondency to courage.” — Paramhansa Yogananda
Going into seclusion is — for me — about making the effort to change. Not everything and not all at once, but still…one has to try.
While in seclusion I’ll mostly be taking a break from technology, except that I don’t want to break my commitment to writing in my blog every day.
So, what I’ve decided to do is prepare three daily posts ahead of time, with a quote about seclusion and being quiet. That way I can simply publish each draft from my phone. It’s a compromise.
I’m easing into a time of seclusion.
I’m not completely “secluded” yet, as I have to finish a few things tonight and during a small portion of tomorrow afternoon.
But the magic is still happening. Like during a last minute decision to go for a walk this evening.
It was almost dark, but so beautiful. And so still. I could see bats flitting through the air. I could hear silence.
I could feel peace.
Seclusion has worked its magic on me once again.
Even though it wasn’t a totally strict seclusion, there was enough of a shift from my normal activity flow to allow me to open up and receive the blessings.
And blessings there were! One of the biggest is that I’m actually looking forward to tomorrow’s eight-hour Christmas meditation — for the first time in a while.
Gradually slowing down and enjoying the stillness.
Even a semi-seclusion (yes, I’ve been on email a little bit) can be so powerful.
And the wonderful thing is how doing a little makes me want to do much more.
I won’t have a lot to share these next few days, as Ramesha and I are taking seclusion.
Of course, if something comes up I’ll share it.
There’s something about being in seclusion this week between Christmas and New Year’s that has me once again staying up much too late at night.
Of course, I had hoped for the exact opposite; that with plenty of free time for rest and meditation, I would actually get to bed earlier than usual.
Ha!
Second day of seclusion and the highlight was taking a walk while it was snowing.
It was pretty magical. I found myself thinking of “My Favorite Things” (“…snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes!”) and trying to catch snowflakes on my tongue (not so easy to do!).
I even stopped a few times to get a video of the big fluffy flakes coming down all around me. Except…I forgot to switch to video, so ended up with still photos of…trees! 😂
Then I saw this beautiful photo and quote posted by a friend on Facebook and knew it was the perfect image for today’s post!