During the 2nd Annual Rhythms of Joy Retreat led by Tiina Kivinen with True Nature Education, we took an opportunity to be in silence. This activity opened space to go deeper within ourselves, disconnecting from the daily chatter we partake in. We were to be silent throughout the night until after the following morning’s meditation. I spent the night listening to my higher self, journaling, meditating, and resting.
I woke up earlier than usual the next day. It was still dark out. The crescent moon was just above the horizon, getting ready to set. The planet Venus shined brightly above the moon. Inspired by the moon and Venus, I decided to take a hike to the lookout tower to watch the sunrise.
When I arrived at the top of the tower, I turned to the east to do sun salutations. This was the perfect opportunity to welcome in the sun with honor.
As my asana practice woke up my muscles and bones, the birds also became active. I took out my binoculars to get a closer look at these flying creatures. The detail of their feathers, their beaks and their colors, was grand. Some flew around catching bugs, while others were nibbling on berries or looking for a mate.
The diversity that existed before my eyes was vast! As I looked more closely at these birds, I formed a deep appreciation for their individuality and their ability to live in community.
As the temperature of the atmosphere rose with the day’s beginning, moisture was drawn up into the sky and the condensation formed clouds. Soft, grey clouds now covered the crystal clear view I once had.
I had forgotten that I was there to watch the sunrise, when suddenly I noticed a great ball of fire glowing just above the mountains. The clouds had parted just enough so that I was able to see the outline of the sun. The sun looked much like the appearance of a full moon, but brighter. The abrupt appearance of the sun astonished me with its power.
The silence that I had kept from nightfall to sunrise allowed an opportunity to observe nature’s aliveness more deeply. When I quieted myself, I noticed how vibrantly the world around me spoke. The power and energy of the sun, the moon and the birds, felt louder than ever before on this day. I recommend being in silence, every once in a while, to hear what other voices want to be heard.
During the 7 days of Retreat, we rode the waves in the ocean, diving into high and low tides, and felt the healing ocean waters caress our feet during sunset. Each day, attending to the grace and epic beauty of the setting Sun reminded me of the blessing of life, another day of loving as the sun melted into the ocean and the day turned to night. The week began with the new moon, a symbol of new beginning, a time for setting intention. Throughout the week Moon grew from new to a sweet sliver and into a radiant half moon that became illuminated by the setting sun. As Moon grew more and more illuminated, so did we, and our intentions ripened as our community and experience deepened.
