January 15, 2026
The quieter you become, the more you hear.
Ram Dass
Going into the meditation retreat, I had little idea of what to expect. This included the fact that for two days, we would be in what Jon Kabat-Zinn described as “noble silence”. Meaning the participants would refrain from speaking — to each other and to anyone else (including staff). The facilitators emphasized how noble silence enabled a sense of inward focus during our time together, and also reassured us that it would be normal for this to feel challenging.
Perhaps it’s because I’m a parent of young kids, but I found the silence welcoming. It reduced any social pressures of mingling during the retreat, and allowed us the spaciousness of being with our own selves. I ate meals in silence, with no devices to distract or books to read. Just focused on the present moment. And maybe because of that, the food tasted exquisitely. I savored every bite, full of gratitude toward the chefs, the farmers, and all those responsible for creating and serving it. Overall, my body felt at ease. No pressure to do; I could just be.
On the final night, an unrelated group joined the dinner and it was fascinating to compare our silence to their incessant chatter. I found a sense of peace within, perhaps my introverted side, knowing that I could just as well enjoy this meal now, in my own company. In that moment, I realized that I wasn’t alone at all. I was with myself — and that was perfect.