Unplugging from the World: A Journey to Inner Peace and Well-Being at a Silent Retreat
Last weekend, I attended a Jesuit silence retreat and experienced a profound sense of renewal and clarity.
Here are some of my key learnings that I wanted to share with you:
1. Silence is not empty, but full of potential. By abstaining from talking, listening, reading, writing, and even eye contact, I was able to tune in to my inner world and notice thoughts, feelings, and sensations that often get drowned out by external stimuli. I realized that silence is not the absence of noise, but the presence of awareness.
2. Solitude is not loneliness, but connection. By spending time alone, I was able to connect with myself, with others, and with the universe in a deeper way. I realized that we are all connected by a common humanity, and that our differences are not barriers, but opportunities for growth and learning.
3. Spirituality is not religion, but curiosity. By exploring different spiritual practices, such as meditation, prayer, and contemplation, I was able to tap into a sense of meaning and purpose that transcends any particular belief system. I realized that spirituality is not about conforming to a dogma, but about expanding our awareness and compassion.
4. Reflection is not judgment, but compassion. By reflecting on my past, present, and future, I was able to see myself and others in a new light. I realized that reflection is not about blaming or praising, but about understanding and accepting. By cultivating self-compassion, I was able to extend compassion to others.
I am grateful for this experience and hope to apply these learnings to my personal and professional life. Have you ever attended a silence retreat or a similar experience? What did you learn? Let’s connect and share our stories!
Craig Arends is a principal at CLA and is the managing principal of CLA's private equity practice. Craig brings a concentration of experience in providing accounting and transaction structuring advice for leveraged recapitalizations, purchase accounting and SEC reporting, assessing quality of earnings, and GAAP accounting. He has far-reaching experience with critiquing financial models and reviewing target companies' financial performance to identify cost reductions and/or operating efficiencies Craig has more than 30 years of experience in public accounting serving public companies, private equity groups, and companies, including a term as principal in charge of a Big Four Capital Markets Group in Moscow, Russia. He has led financial accounting due diligence projects for private equity investor groups and venture capital funds, primarily in the technology, communications, and manufacturing industries, as well as assisting with Foreign Corrupt Practice Act matters ranging from investigation of payments made, validation of compliance with corporate policies, and review of proposed transactions to ensure compliance. When not working, Craig enjoys watching any sports, but his most favorite are baseball, football and soccer.
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