Montana Retreat & a Quest for Silence

Feathered Pipe Ranch; sanctuary, paradise, nature at its finest.  I attended my second yoga retreat offered by Prairie Yoga (Lori Gaspar) from September 2-9, 2023 at Feathered Pipe Ranch, located near Helena, Montana.  My first retreat there back in 2021 had left me wanting more.  Twenty-two lovely participants and four teachers attended the retreat; all kind, open-minded, and fascinating people.  

The daily schedule consisted of morning yoga, optional activities in the afternoons, late afternoon yoga and optional activities in the evenings.  There is also hiking, kayaking, massages, a hot tub and plenty of quiet spots to just sit in nature.  What strikes me the most about this beautiful place - the silence.  No airplanes above, no cars, no man-made sounds.  Only the distant sounds of a few birds, or the breeze in the trees.  Just what one with an active family of five and a constantly full mommy schedule needs! 

On the 5th day of the retreat, in my quest for more silence and peace in my life, I decided to have a day of silence - that is, to not talk for the day.  I mentioned my intention to a few friends, and one of them decided to join me.  You would think that it might be challenging to not speak, but in fact, for me it was freeing.  A few times, I caught myself wanting to utter my thoughts, but then I realized that it wasn’t necessary.  Nothing was so urgent that it needed to be said.  That day, I sat in nature, listening to a nearby creek and looking out at the small lake.  I was inspired to write a few poems, something I had endeavored before and really enjoy.  
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I am sharing one of my poems here with you, dear reader.  It is my hope that you find whatever inspires and motivates you, and that you pursue it.  We all deserve peace, joy and serenity!

Silence 

Silence
The elusive object
So much to discover
In silence

Silence
Invites stillness in
New ideas brewing
New perspectives

Silence
A rare commodity
Makes space for what is
Invites truth in

Silence
No need to speak
No need to respond
But just to be 

Silence
We crave it so
But where to find it
Seek it out

Silence
A prayer, a thought
A time of peace
Silence

By Camille Cronfel 2023