The sounds of silence: benefits of a silent retreat. (Part 2)

In our previous article we looked at the dangerous effects of prolonged exposure to the sounds of city life, now we look at how taking a break can physically, mentally and spiritually revive you..

When we learn (and practice) how to quiet down the monkey brain we begin to experience a reality beyond that of the mind. You discover more about yourself by exploring your inner world. This can only be experienced by temporarily tuning off your outer world. By learning more about yourself you are open to experiencing acceptance of your current circumstances and pressures and practicing how to become your own best friend by understanding and loving yourself.

Most retreats in South Africa are closely connected with nature, which submerges your physical body in a state of outer peace and optimism which our internal landscape rarely facilitates. Silent retreats teach you how to stay present and to shift your focus to the moment you are currently experiencing.

When we are able to switch our attention to our present reality, we experience peacefulness and we become more ‘awake and available’ to our surroundings.

So, the next time you find yourself in the middle of ranting raving waves of emotions and tiredness: pick a weekend that you can afford to spend by yourself and tune out. We have put together a list of some silent retreats around South Africa which you can look into when you feel a little overwhelmed or stressed.

Gauteng:

Melody Hill Retreats - Magaliesberg (https://www.melodyhillretreat.co.za/)

The Satyagraha House - Gauteng Johannesburg (http://www.satyagrahahouse.com/en/Travel-Johannesburg)

Nan Hua Temple - Bronkhorstspruit Gauteng ( http://en.nanhuatemple.org/retreats.html)

Western Cape:

Gaia Healing Holidays - Montague, Western Cape (+27 21 910 1780)

Temenos - Western Cape (https://www.temenos.org.za/)

Hearth and Soul Eco Farm, near Stanford (http://www.hearthandsoul.co.za/)

Bodhi Khaya Retreat - Western Cape (http://www.bodhi-khaya.co.za/)

KZN:

Satori - KZN Midlands (http://www.satorifarm.co.za/index.html)

The Buddhist Retreat Centre - KZN Ixopo (082 579 3037)

Dharmagiri - KZN - Underberg (http://www.dharmagiri.org/)

The Karoo:

Little Samadh - The Karoo (http://littlesamadhi.co.za/)