Silent Meditation

Silent meditation is it better than other types of meditation? This is a question often asked and I want to give you a complete understanding of this style of meditation.

Silent Meditation is a type of meditation where you meditate in a silent undisturbed space. This meditation silence gives you less external distractions and can allow your meditation to intensify on a deeper inner level. It is recommended for advanced meditators, as there are no guided instructions or time limits.

Although this meditation can be a powerful way to experience meditation, it may not be right for you. Jumping head first into this type of meditation can lead to confusion, frustration and overwhelm.

Let’s get you clear on silent meditation.

What is Silent Meditation?

Although silent meditation descended from the teachings of Buddha, the modern-day practice is usually secular (non-religious) in nature. It is known to teach mindfulness in your inner thoughts, feelings actions and breathing. As suggested by the name, this practice requires complete silence which allows the meditator to experience an observation based self-exploratory journey.

The overall goal of silent meditation is to gain a deep understanding, insight and meaning into the true nature of reality by experiencing the world as it really is rather than constantly seeing things only the way we want to see them .

Silent meditation definition and meaning – This type of meditation is one of the most ancient forms of meditation and is often referred to as Vipassana – which means “to see things as they really are”.

How Can Silence Help You to Meditate?

A powerful meditative state is achieved, by not allowing the external distractions of our modern world to overload you and disrupt your meditation experience. This meditation silence can intensify into a deeper inner connection with your mind and body by using a disciplined focus on physical sensations.

Should You Meditate in Silence?

Silent meditation is unlike other forms of meditation in the fact that it is more often than not a journey of long-term practice. Often, people will experience silent meditation at a Vipassana retreat which can range in length from a single day to a 7-10 day retreat. This extended duration of silence is what differs silent meditation from other types of meditation.

So if you are a beginner silent meditation may not support you in building a beneficial and consistent meditation practice. This style of meditation practice may leave you with a list of questions that may lead to frustration, overwhelm and stop you from meditating at all.

Silent meditation is a great stepping stone when you have a strong understanding and experience with the fundamentals. Then you can consider the intensified experience of a meditation retreat.

That said……

Silent Meditation Retreats – How do they work?

As mentioned earlier, the retreats normally have duration of 7-10 days. The retreats are known to be immersive and can push people out of their natural comfort zones. However, they are also known to be one of the most effective ways of experiencing silent meditation and pushing your boundaries in order to experience the true benefits of extensive silent meditation. During these retreats, participants can meditate for up to 12 hours per day and are removed from their digital devices and internet access. In a meditation retreat you must spend entire days without talking or communicating with anyone at all.

In order to get the most benefit out of a silent meditation retreat, you need to maintain an extremely open mind and heart. Leave all expectations at the door and go into the experience without assuming what it will entail and how you will feel. Instead, simply embrace and enjoy it.

In the attitude of silence the soul finds the path in a clearer light, and what is elusive and deceptive resolves itself into crystal clearness. Our life is a long and arduous quest after Truth.

~ Mahatma Gandhi ~

5 Powerful Benefits of Silent Meditation

Silent meditation is a challenging, boundary pushing practice that requires an open mind and persistent attitude.

So why do people put themselves through silent mind meditation?

The commitment and trust is all worth it once you begin to experience the abundant benefits of silent meditation. The experience of removing yourself from the familiarity of interpersonal conversation and connection is truly a life changing experience.

Let’s take a look at just a few of the many benefits.

1. The first benefit of experiencing silent meditation is developing patience. Although it sounds simple, patience is often a value that many of us lack. Often when meditating, people can feel as if they are “wasting time” – which often stems from the societal pressures needing to be busy. By recognizing and working with impatience, we can strengthen our mind and our appreciation for meditation – allowing us to bring patience into our daily lives.

2. The second benefit is learning the ability to truly listen to yourself. Completing a silent meditation retreat is a challenging task. During your experience you will come to realise the amount of time you spend alone with your own thoughts. This experience teaches you to become familiar and comfortable with your internal monologue and will lead to a deeper recognition and listening of these thoughts/feelings as you return to your daily task in the modern world.

3. Another valuable benefit is learning to develop stronger coping mechanisms. As discussed earlier, the goal of silent meditation is to learn to see the world as it really is.In order to achieve this goal of true clarity, one must leave with a great deal of acceptance. This acceptance can be transferred into the real world and used as a coping mechanism to accept tragedies and face challenges in a positive and accepting manner.

4. Silent meditation allows us to become extremely comfortable with our own thoughts and emotions. With this comes a great sense of self confidence. Learning to acknowledge and accept the way we feel leads to an incredibly confident persona. This confidence can then be translated into our professional (decision making, knowing your true value) and personal lives – I can assure you that these benefits will be noticed by the people in your daily life.

5. The journey of silent meditation may also have a positive effect on your sleeping patterns. By learning how to keep yourself grounded and relaxed – you will find it easier to unwind and fall asleep during the evening. This can result in a deeper, more beneficial sleep which will have a ripple effect onto many other positive benefits of quality sleep such as reducing stress, allowing your body to heal and improving memory.

Silent Meditation vs Guided Meditation

Guided Meditation you are led by an instructor, via in-person classes, audio/video streaming or an online course. Silent Meditation you guide yourself through your own meditation practice, in a silent space at home or on a multi day meditation retreat.