We’ve taken a short pause in our Vietnamese programming to plug back in and review our first successful retreat of the 2023 season. When I read the Bùi Giáng post below to my Teacher John Ashbrook, who’ll return soon in May for our next Comprehensive Spiritual Development Retreat Weekend, his comment was, “Cool. A little bit of esoteric is always good!” Then I woke up Thursday morning to the steady gaze of a local Barred Owl, our nocturnal, feathered friend also known as The Higher Haven’s mascot, often heard but never before seen. Known informally as the classic Hoot Owl or Eight-Hooter Owl, its also called the Striped Owl, its banded streaks clearly seen here. As John is fond of reminding me, everything in this life is a reflection of some greater spiritual significance. And drawing on my experiences with my Lakota Heyoka Teacher, I’m a healer who is still learning how to see in the darkness, always watching for and heeding those subtle signs, as they turn one’s attention inward. The Barred Owl points to our intuitive knowing, realizing the Spirits are calling, and although subtle and quiet, like the soft feathered beat of its wings in the forested night, we listen for and learn to trust that gentle voice of our inner intuition.
We had a great, hard working little group here at the start of March, and considering our Noble Silence Meditation Retreat (NMSR) Weekends are offered quarterly, we’ll be gathering together again for our Spring NMSR the weekend of June 9th — June 11th. Here’s new student but also experienced meditator Sue, who I affectionately dubbed Sioux, on the benefits of her wonderful Winter weekend visit:
“The Winter Noble Silence Meditation Retreat Weekend that I attended in March 2023 was everything I thought it could be and so much more. I had never attended a silent retreat with a group and wasn't sure what to expect. Paul and his team took great care to ensure that each of us had all we needed to get the most out of the weekend. I felt comfortable and safe the entire time, which is of utmost importance. The lodging was warm, comfortable and the food was clean and filling - perfect for a weekend of self-reflection and extended meditations. The land, which we spent many hours strolling about during our meditation walks, was pristine and quiet. The perfect setting for relaxation and peace. I was especially affected by my ability to meditate comfortably for long periods of time thanks to the care Paul took to structure our agenda. We had plenty of breaks and also plenty of ‘work’ which we were gently eased into without any pressure.
Being a regular practitioner of meditation, I not only learned more about myself through the process of being silent at this retreat, but I learned so much more about this beautiful process along with new techniques and philosophies. I found Paul to be a noble, warm and genuine person with a deep and abiding commitment to the work and all of mankind. It was a true honor spending time with him and each guest. Although we did not verbally communicate much, I connected with each person on the soul level and will be forever grateful for our time together. I recommend this program for anyone - be it a new meditator or a seasoned one. Everyone can become transformed through this experience. I know that I was." ~ Sioux 3/23