Arrival
Erika and I arrived in the early afternoon at the retreat in Jessop, GA after a 6 hour drive. We were able to check into our rooms and did so. Erika was in a group building, rooming with another woman, in which she shared a bathroom and shower with several others. (You had to sign up for showers during very limited times. Never during the many, many meditation hours.) Luckily, I had my own room and bathroom. (This will prove to be rather essential at day 4.) I assume this was because I was the oldest one there. Most of the women, and men (although we were separated from them except at group meditation) were in their 20s, 30s and 40s. A few in their 50's I found it encouraging that so many young people would be inclined to participate in such an intensive meditative experience. And it was intense! Of course, their bodies are younger and more pliable for the hours of sitting involved. And there were many hours of sitting. 10 - 12 a day!!! Yes, that was a surprise. When we went to look at the daily schedule we were shocked. Beginning at 4:30 am until 9 or 9:30 pm, we would be sitting for meditation with an hour of discourse every evening at 7:00 pm. Not even a Yoga session! Erika is my Yoga teacher and she is the one who got me into this. Yikes! Since I have a little ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder) and a lot of RLS (Restless Leg Syndrome) I was frighteningly aware of the fact that this would be quite a challenge for me. Indeed. It was the most difficult thing I have ever done! And I had 2 children by natural childbirth, went skydiving, and did a 6 mile open ocean swim (with fins and goggles) At least those didn't last as long. 10 days! 11 in actuality. OMG! OK.
We were to bring our own sheets, pillow case, (I brought my own pillow.) blankets, towels, soap, shampoo, etc. This is not a luxury retreat. Quite the contrary. My bed was a wooden frame twin bed with a mattress about 3" thick. But, I did have windows with a view of the forest. Which was nice, even if I didn't have much time in my room.
At 5:00, we surrendered our cell phones and wallets. Yes, there was separation anxiety! No contact with anyone for 11 days. Strangely enough, it was my Weather App I missed the most. (Ok, busted! Facebook, too) And my camera. My grandkids call me Mimarazzi, or The Stalker because of all the pictures I take! So I have no photos of my experience but the grounds were quite nice. Woods, a pond, quiet surroundings, simple buildings. The good news? No news! Since this was the day after the election, it was a welcome relief not to read or hear any politics!
When everyone arrived, we gathered for our instructional meeting in the reception center. There were 45 women and 35 men. These were our instructions, or as I refer to it, the list of many NO's
1. No talking. We took a vow of Noble Silence. That was welcoming to me and was never a problem. We were allowed to talk to our Course Manager if we needed something. Like Toilet paper, also essential after day 4.
2. No eye contact with another meditator. That was a little weird. Sitting next to someone at a meal or passing by them and not exchanging glances was a little uncomfortable.
3. No communication of any kind. Hand signals, sign language, etc. When passing by someone we were told to avoid their eyes. Erika and I would smile at each other when no one was looking, feeling like we were committing a sin. The idea behind this was to not distract another from their solitary experience. I thought that was odd since we were quite aware of their presence.
What would a little smile hurt? Hey, I'm friendly.
4. No electronic devices at all.
5. No books That was hard because I like to read every night in bed.
6. No papers or pens. That ruled out journaling.
7. No musical instruments or radios. So, no, I did not bring my guitar.
8. No tight clothing. Shoulders and knees must be covered at all times. I'm not fond of tight clothing anyway. NP here.
9. No physical contact with anyone, and that includes "you know what" Strictly forbidden. Even couples attending together were not to have any contact with each other.
10. No dinner! WHAT????? Only tea and a piece of fruit at 5:00. OK, so this would be Spiritual Boot Camp as well as a Fat Farm.
11. No stealing. Makes sense.
12. No telling of lies. Well, when you're not talking........
13. No intoxicants. I do like my glass of wine but it was no problem going without. I knew that would be good for me. I actually didn't miss it.
And finally...TA DA! No Killing! Um, really? You actually needed to tell us that?
Silence was stressed. Our instructor said, "If you have to cough or sneeze...Don't." Coughing was to play a major part as you will hear. They didn't mention "No farting." Probably because they fed us so many beans. Our diet was Vegan/vegetarian and was quite good. Except for the no dinner part.
So, the Noble Silence began and it was off to our humble abodes for the evening.
4:00 am wake up to begin Day 1.
