 by Rob Stucky
Many people have preconceptions about spiritual retreats, but they may not be accurate. Let’s face it, what we think of as “spiritual” may be colored, positively or negatively, by our experience of a related, but decidedly not synonymous term, “religion” - and what we understand “retreat” to mean could be anything from getting away for a change of pace, to admitting defeat in battle. So let’s be clear: Some deliberate exposure to silence is a key component in our retreats. I realize that promoting “silence” itself may be an intimidating idea for some. As creatures of habit, in our hectic world, full of constant chatter, living life in perpetual high-gear, we often don’t even recognize how noisy our minds have become. For many people, this chatter is a sort of familiar, almost comforting background noise, a constant hum that let’s us know we’re still alive. Even if our mental hyperactivity bothers us, it is surprising to many that when we do try to stop all that, we discover that our minds still keep running at full speed, impelled by the momentum of sheer habit, and the noise of that, made all too apparent by unfamiliar silence, can feel deafening, maddening, or even terrifying! Silence brings it all into high relief, and doesn’t feel silent at all, at least, not at first! The reality is, of course, that given time, the right circumstances, and some very simple practices, the mind’s momentum will gradually slow down, simply by removing some of its habitual distractions and redirecting it’s focus. Taking advantage of some outer silence can lead us to an inner silence that is, paradoxically, rich and eloquent. Touching that experience, even briefly, can bring us a sense of renewal and gentle clarity that empowers us to return to our “ordinary” lives with fresh perspective and greater peace and joy. Our intention is that our retreats create optimal opportunities and provide some basic tools for that to happen. Assisi is one of those places, deemed a sacred, planetary power spot by the aficionados of metaphysical lore, but easily experienced as simply a uniquely lovely and peaceful place by even the most worldly. It is the milieu in which two of Christianity’s greatest mystics lived, taught, died, and are buried, and as such, it is uniquely conducive to moving beyond tourism to take an inner journey. The symbiotic relationship between the beauty of Assisi and the beautiful teachings of Saints Francis and Claire is palpable to anyone who cares to explore it. By joining us on retreat, we invite you to learn how not to feel defeated by the busyness of your life. With the shining examples of Francis and Claire to inspire us, and the sheer beauty of the environment to aide us, discovering our inner realms, and making friends with all they can teach us, can be one of life’s greatest adventures! Peace and Blessings, Rob
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Assisi is the world's home of peace.... by Ruth Davis
This presence in Assisi is a gift beyond words. St Francis and St Clare opened to this presence and taught others how to know it as well. They would teach to simply let go of our outward focus, not be influenced by daily life adversities but rather be aware of and embrace the presence of beauty in nature, in each other, in our own hearts. By doing this we can feel direct contact to God. In their great surrender to the heart of life, Francis and Clare were reaching for the same love that is found in the essence of all philosophies and religions. No one is excluded. Buddhists find this beauty in the recognition of pure awareness. Hindu's find this beauty in their meditation on the direct experience of the "I" that is the source of the infinite and eternal. Christians recognize the Christ in everyone and all things. When we begin to notice the deepest presence that is around us and in us, the pure and constant gentleness, we are recognizing what is our true nature. We are the peace, the wordless awareness, the infinite.... Together we are this love and our being naturally radiates this like sunshine. In Assisi, as we walk in the footsteps of Francis, we discover our own footsteps finding a calm presence that is constantly flowing and giving. |
AuthorEntries are from our Community of Retreat leaders that provide year round retreats in Assisi, Italy Archives
September 2018
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