Madonna and the Meditation Retreat

I just returned from a weeklong meditation retreat in upstate NY.

We had lots of snow, silence and stillness.

Interestingly, within this winter week of silence and stillness an incredible amount of warmth, community and togetherness was created.

When we were in silence, I first noticed I was listening closer to the outside world.  The sounds of lunch being prepared in the nearby kitchen, the participants quietly breathing in the meditation hall.  Once I settled down, I began to pay closer attention to what was happening inside.  I heard my own thoughts which are usually covered up by talking and activity.

After a few more days I noticed I was becoming more aware of everything around me.  Sights and sounds were enhanced, more alive.  And I was more curious about them.  Like having a new set of eyes and ears.

The end of the week was New Year’s Eve and we let loose with an impromptu dance party.  A Madonna song came on called Get Together from the Confessions album.  It’s not new, I’ve heard it many times before.

Madonna sings: I searched my whole life to find the secret and all I did was open up my eyes.

This time I heard it as if it was the first time.  It was fresh.  The line above so accurately describes my experience last week.

I found this can also enliven the creative process; generating ideas, making videos, helping clients through the thickness of technology.

In 2010, I hope you will find time to give yourself a break and just be as well.

Happy New Year!