And I also love the community that develops even in silence. That is one of the things that surprised me when I did a silent retreat.

I love hearing about your time away with God, Jean. It’s rich.

yes yes. Her book on Silence and Solitude accompanied me on this retreat.

Hi Pat. Thanks for commenting. You guessed by age right – we are similar journeys, aren’t we? Giddyup!!!

HI Elizabeth! The silent style of retreat can be challenging for extrovert but well worth trying this practice at least once. I have a friend who has been on two and says no way to another one. LOL me? I love them. Interesting you letting go of disciplines. Sometimes we are too rigid in what we hold onto – listen to God with those empty hands and heart and He will direct you what and when to pick up certain practices again.

Thank you so much for your prayers. I find when I start a retreat it takes me a full day to enter into a deeper silence and prayers definitely help then as throughout the time. Your couple of hours on your deck is a retreat and I am sure a wonderful time with God!

I find many of my silent retreats on retreat center web pages. I also ask my spiritual director if she knew of any scheduled. Here is another link but sometimes info here is outdated: https://www.retreatfinder.com/Directory.aspx

You are doing what you need to do/call to do right now with your mother. I do believe you can develop the same routines at home. I call those Desert Days – often more like 2-3 hours than days but spiritually is life giving. Blessings!

so glad we connected Patricia and to find another soul who loves retreats as I do.

In an effort to reduce stress, I have let go of many “disciplines” lately, but I’m not sure I’m the better off for it.