13/05/2026
I remember the first time I held a silent retreat day. It was well over a decade ago. I allowed time for questions and comment at the start. Someone commented how nervous they were. I asked what they were nervous about, and the answer completely surprised me: "I am nervous about not talking".
This comment was so unexpected. I then asked who else was worried about this, and hands started rising around the room. About a quarter of room felt challenged by the thought of silencing themselves. I still rembember how surprised I was by this. Yet I also recognised way back then, at that very moment, how sorely silence was needed.
The day progressed. The quietude grew deeper. And so did the connection in the room. This connection was intimate and profound.
It was connection to life 'in the now'.
It was connection to each other (not in an overtly outward way, but in a personally intimate way - a synergistic way).
It was connection to Self - a remembering of Self. Deep and powerful.
At the end of they day, no one was ready to speak. They didn't want to break the magic.
Relaxed, grounded and 'truly here', every single person left grateful for the silence - not just grateful for it's gift of presence and recallibration, but also for the life lessons and self insights it offered along the way.
How often is this the case: that you want for more space, only to find yourself immediately filling it up when you've got it? Noble silence offers space by the truckloads. Gradually you acclimatise. Gradually you assimilate. Gradually you become silent spaciousness itself.
Do you know who you are beneath the veil of noise and chatter? Do you fear what you will find?
If you extend the silence long enough, and allow yourself to be gently guided into the heart of your own existance, you will discover that who you are is not to be feared, but revered.
For silence not only strips back the complexities we burdened upon the present moment, it also slowly strips back the fabricated layers we stack upon ourself - until the end of the day, we meet our unencumbered, liberated self.
If you are interested in exploring who you are in quietude, I am holding a Silent Retreat Day this Sunday. During this meditative day you will be guided through carefully curated sessions designed to restore balance to the body and mind, evoke deep relaxation, and heighten of awareness. This is a restful day - not a physical practice. The only requirement is that you can sit and lay on the floorand get back up again to soak up lots of self care.
I welcome any questions you may have.
Lisa
This Sunday...
May 17, 9.30am - 4.30pm
www.facebook.com/events/916399214536803
lisawelch.com.au/silent-retreat-day
Mooloolaba