Tag: Christmas Break

Hear the Silence

Hear the Silence

As I mentioned in my last blog posting, my Christmas break ended earlier than most.   The reason for an early departure was because I was partaking in one of Loyola’s many retreats.  Like every Loyola retreat, the campus in Woodstock, IL was the location for the retreat.  However, unlike any other Loyola retreat, this one was silent.  Yes, that means from 8 PM on January 8th to 12 PM on January 12th, the other retreatants (twelve in total) and were entirely silent.  In fact, we were not only silent, but we avoided any sort of communication with each other; we did not acknowledge the existence of anyone else on the retreat.  For us, that meant no waving, winking, high-fiving or even smiling.  However harsh this may sound, the goal was obviously not to be blatantly rude to the others.  The goal of the retreat was to be alone with God and in order to do that, distractions were eliminated.  Such distractions include noise, communication and interaction with others, and though it sounds like a daunting task, I have not found anything more refreshing than this experience.

Retreats like this separate Loyola from any other college experience.  Where else can you study in the bustling city of Chicago and retreat to the woods for personal reflection?  When the name Loyola University Chicago comes to mind, the busyness of city life and the opportunistic metropolis follow shortly after.  For most, this is a lifestyle desired when moving into a large city.  However, we all need a break sometimes.  For me, this retreat was a break. A break from schedules, meetings, homework, texting, talking and even thinking.  For four and a half days, I explored and the inner confines of my heart and mind, listening to what I wanted/needed to feel content in this world.  For four days, I did whatever I felt called to do: read, run, explore, write or just sit in silence and observe.  For those who believe in God (or a God), it is a chance to connect with Him/Her on the most personal level, and for those who are unsure, it is a chance to be quiet and figure things out.

I strongly recommend a retreat like this to anyone, anyone at all.  Yes, it seems difficult and intimidating, but it really is not.  If the lack of communication scares you, then know that there is actually any hour time period during the day when you can talk to a spiritual director about your experiences.  If you have any other concerns, let them go and take up a challenge.  How many times in your life will you have an excuse not to talk for four straight days?  If for no other reason than to feel rested, rejuvenated, and well-fed, take this opportunity.