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And yet, when I actually lived it, it felt more like a kind of personal hell. I have done two eight day meditation retreats in complete silence (except for a s

And yet, when I actually lived it, it felt more like a kind of personal hell. I have done two eight day meditation retreats in complete silence (except for a short conversation with the mediation teacher once a day). The first time, after about one day, I was 100% sure I was going to give up that day. I missed sounds, listening to music, social interactions, etc. and ended up in a circle that slowly turned into hell (as you described). After that day, during my daily conversation, I told my teacher that I couldn't bear it anymore and was going to leave. He kind and jokingly fashion said (I am paraphrasing): "we'll prepare the refund". Somehow that clicked and I realised that my mind had been running in circles, magnifying emotions of boredness and craving step by step. After that I had an excellent retreat, understanding a tiny bit better how the mind works. We are social beings and social contacts are essential. However, silence can also help us every now and then.

lelandbatey 13y ago
I can very much empathize with this feeling. Last year, my freshman year of college, I lived an extremely isolated life. However, by living very quietly for quite a while, in a beautiful place, I found great comfort in my own mind. It was incredibly peaceful to have days where I did very little but eat, sleep and think. In that time I learned a lot about myself, and grew as a person. I'm glad I had that chance.
nisa 13y ago
While I attended a retreat I somehow never felt lonely. I was around other poeple all the time, we ate together and of course meditated together, despite not sharing eye contact and staying silent. After the ten days on the last day everyone was allowed to talk and it was a It is a very moving experience. Everyone felt connected. Not feeling connected, feeling isolated amongst other poeple, beeing unable to make meaningful connections is lonelyness for me. For me it really comes down to a mutual feeling of acceptance. I've spend some nights with some punks, watching movies and going to town. We did not know us before hand but I felt accepted not lonely. Meeting with other students from my university? Felt lonely and disconnected. Your brain is a strange device... or I am just having problems dealing with big egos and "alpha male" bullshit.

lelandbatey 13y ago

I can very much empathize with this feeling. Last year, my freshman year of college, I lived an extremely isolated life. However, by living very quietly for quite a while, in a beautiful place, I found great comfort in my own mind. It was incredibly peaceful to have days where I did very little but eat, sleep and think. In that time I learned a lot about myself, and grew as a person. I'm glad I had that chance.

nisa 13y ago

While I attended a retreat I somehow never felt lonely. I was around other poeple all the time, we ate together and of course meditated together, despite not sharing eye contact and staying silent. After the ten days on the last day everyone was allowed to talk and it was a It is a very moving experience. Everyone felt connected. Not feeling connected, feeling isolated amongst other poeple, beeing unable to make meaningful connections is lonelyness for me. For me it really comes down to a mutual feeling of acceptance. I've spend some nights with some punks, watching movies and going to town. We did not know us before hand but I felt accepted not lonely. Meeting with other students from my university? Felt lonely and disconnected. Your brain is a strange device... or I am just having problems dealing with big egos and "alpha male" bullshit.