It was my annual vacation but I went to the northern part of Thailand - Chiang Mai - not for adventures this time. I went to listen. I spent five days in The Seven Fountains Jesuit Retreat Center for a solo silent retreat. This is just basically taking myself away from my chaotic overstimulated life. No phone. Just silence with my God, oh and all other animals like rabbits, lizards, squirrels, myna, owl and other bird singing at night.
Silent Retreat at The Seven Fountains
Everyday, at 8:30 in the morning after breakfast (yes breakfast, lunch and dinner were provided in the center), I had a one-to-one talk with a priest. He was the one assigned for spiritual direction. After an hour or more than an hour chat, he would always leave me with a reflection.
My spiritual director, Fr. Beda
My daily routine composed of the following:
- Pray my rosary around the block, in a chapel, garden of peace or the labyrinth garden.
- Go back to my room to read the bible and do some reflection.
- Mess hall for morning snack and Milo (aroy - delicious in Thai).
- Adoration in any of the chapels.
- Lunch.
- Wash clothes.
- Afternoon snack.
- Reflection in the garden swing.
- Eucharistic mass.
- Dinner.
- Bed time - so early (for my busy life)
At night, at 6:00 p.m., there was a daily eucharistic mass in the wooden chapel of The Seven Fountains. After the mass, dinner was served in the cafeteria. Did I also 'mention were also silent while eating, yeah had a hard time at first minimizing the noise of my eating and the utensil sounds but I was able to eat silently.
What I ate in the silent retreat
At the end of the five-day silent retreat, I did not only hear God but also refreshed my soul saying, "ready for two steps forward?"
If you ever wanted a different vacation, a rest and silence that speaks to your soul, I highly recommend going to The Seven Fountains Retreat Center in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
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