When you think of the term "silent retreat," you immediately think of calm, serenity, birds chirping, and maybe some loneliness, anxiety, and restlessness. And while all of these may be true, my experience with silent retreats is pretty good. The only problem with silent retreats is that if something funny happens, you can't share it with anyone. We've all had those moments -- the times when something hilarious happens, but no one was around to see it so it becomes a lunchtime conversation later. But that's the thing. There are no conversations over meals, just silence and the clanking of utensils on a plate. So, since we were all stifled, as soon as we could talk, we told each other the hilarious things that happened to us this past weekend, and here are some of them.
1. Stomach Gurgling
You know how this is embarrassing enough during class? Add some more silence and good food, and you're sure to get the occasional audible stomach talk.
2. The Inevitable Art Room Surprise
I was standing on a chair in the front room of the Art room, busily painting. One of the other retreat attendees walked in the door, surprised to see me there. It didn't help that we couldn't say anything to each other, so we just stifled our giggles and walked away.
3. Mealtime
Eating in silence can be awkward, but when you sit across from someone you know and the food is AH-mazing, you have to communicate your happiness somehow. Eye movements and dancing ensued as we tried not to giggle too loudly.
4. Killing Bugs
It was April, it was finally warm, and the bugs were finally out. They buzzed around our heads, inside and out, so when one of them got too close... Well, I'll leave that to you. The loud noise of someone killing a bug was enough to illicit some snickers.
5. "Peace, pal"
We celebrated mass twice, and we were not expecting one of the priests to say, "Peace, pal" to the other during the Sign of Peace. Not at all.
6. Music From Above
Sitting in the art room early Saturday afternoon, a few of us were silently engaged in our own projects when out of nowhere, classical music started blaring from the floor above us. After a few glances to make sure everyone heard it, too, there were plenty of giggles around the room, especially because the music lasted for a while.
7. Finally Talking Again
Once the silence ended, there were plenty of stories shared and funny moments exchanged. I wouldn't have known about half of these things if not for the bus ride home.
Although I'm glad that I'll be able to share funny moments as they happen in the future, I can't wait until the next time I head up to the retreat house, silent or not.
