From Revelry to Reflection: How a Silent Retreat Changed My Perspective
By entering into the silence, acknowledging divine substance, affirming his faith in and oneness with it, man becomes conscious of substance .Law of Metaphysics
Every year, like clockwork, the streets of Trinidad and Tobago come alive with the pulsating rhythms of soca, the vibrant colors of costumes, and the infectious energy of Carnival. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been a part of this celebration, losing myself in the music, the laughter, and the sheer joy of it all. But this year, I decided to do something radically different. Instead of joining the revelry, I chose silence. No music, no phone, no distractions—just me and my thoughts for two whole days. What I discovered was both challenging and transformative.
I’ll admit, the decision didn’t come easily. Carnival is more than just a festival; ever since I have known myself, Carnival has been a part of my life, whether it was playing mas, going to fetes, joining in the Panorama. Two years ago I took a trip away during Carnival- that time I was going through a life experience of extreme betrayal, I did not want to have anything to do with Carnival, I was hurt , angry and upset and the festival seemed to be a happy place for the person that played a huge part in the betrayal But this year, something inside me craved stillness rather than running away. I wanted to see what would happen if I stripped away all the noise—both literal and figurative—and just be. Could I sit with my thoughts without reaching for my phone or turning on the TV? What would I discover about myself in the silence?
The first few hours were surprisingly peaceful. I sat by the window, watching the world go by, and felt a sense of calm I hadn’t experienced in a long time. But as the hours turned into a full day, the silence became deafening. My mind raced with thoughts—some trivial, some deeply personal. I realized how much I rely on distractions to avoid facing certain truths about myself. Sitting with those thoughts was harder than I expected, but it was also incredibly revealing. Meditation helped, the process centered me.
Returning to the world after my silent retreat felt like stepping into a different reality. The music, the laughter, the energy—it was all still there, but I felt more grounded, more present. I realized that while Carnival is a beautiful celebration of life, it’s also important to create space for stillness and introspection. Moving forward, I hope to strike a balance between the two, embracing the joy of the moment while staying connected to my inner self
My silent retreat during Carnival was a reminder that sometimes, the most profound experiences come not from the noise around us, but from the silence within. I wonder—what would you discover if you took a break from the distractions in your life? What truths might you uncover if you simply sat with your thoughts, even for a few hours? The answers might surprise you.
Peace and Blessings
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