One of my takeaways from the many silent retreats I’ve participated in over the years is an appreciation for silence. Not merely the absence of noise or words, but silence as a profound tool for deep listening and for nurturing unbiased awareness. Can I quiet the noise of my ego so I can open to truths that words cannot express?

I used to pride myself on my ability to do many things at once. When I was younger, I tried to do them quickly. Brush my teeth and pee at the same time. Answer the phone while typing an email. Do the laundry, make my grocery list, and tell my kids they’ll be late for school. At work, I could

Many people have a passion for fishing. My stepfather was one of them. French Canadian, his English was rough but serviceable. I’d hear him whistling as he gathered his gear—poles, bucket, lures, bait, his baseball cap, and fishing vest. Oh yes, and a flask of his favorite whiskey. Happy for a day out on the canoe, skiff, or small motorboat.