We kicked off 2025 with a 3-day silent retreat at A Studio in the Woods with @chris.leaux , @_kassi_dardar_picou_ , and Raymond.
Since language is such a part of what I do, it seemed important to step back and abstract it. I think most of what we see as communication is actually just verbal noise. Speaking creates auditory clutter, and robs some of the clarity of gesture and purpose. We learn to rely on what people say rather than their actions. Silence requires us to observe context to formulate a perspective. It forces constant situational analysis.
The rule was that you could gesture, mime, and write, but no verbal communication. Beyond that, people could do whatever they wished. To begin, people strummed a harp to begin the vow. At noon and six each day we would have an optional group meal where we would break the silence, before strumming the harp back in.
Group silence provided a time to focus without the time-suck of social obligation. It gave the space for people to get into rhythm with each other, and it required us to extend greater tendrils of love, trust, and grace.
Silence also forces you into the present. Gestures are a reactionary language that focus on the now. Its hard to communicate beyond the present and tangible. This language of now reassembles the fabric of communication into the present. You begin to only focus on the present, and deeply observe your surroundings.
It requires you to act with no hesitation. It makes you and others aware of your desires. Silence in a group requires you to pause and take time for others. To be ready to be dragged across a room to see a demonstration or gesture clearly. You have to filter your thoughts into what is important before deciding to communicate.
At the end of the retreat I checked my phone and saw the stress and frustration from friends who had spent the weekend in conversation. I could not identify. Im not sure if it could be socially responsible to live this way, but I cherished this short silent treatment.
