Solitude and Joyous Accord at Fall Meditation Retreat

This was to be a new experience for me; I had resisted this experience for almost three years because I wasn’t “ready.” Justin stripped the last of my excuses and Carmen found me a spare bunk for the Fall (1995) Albuquerque Meditation Retreat.

On our way to the Dominican Retreat House, Justin explained that our home for the next two days would be an old hacienda and companion building recently acquired by the Order. We later learned that this was a very old land grant, originally belonging to the Balboa family.

The first “lesson” of the retreat came immediately. A spartan group of buildings changed to a warm country setting with the addition of 25 eager meditators. The spirit of our group was magical.

Our daily routine allowed three quality sessions of meditation instruction and practice with Justin. From the single focus of T’ien T’ai to the slow, rhythmic counting of our breaths, we all benefited from our master’s extensive wisdom and experience.

Day two was a personal high point. All of us observed a day of silence. My mind was finally still. I enjoyed my food as never before. When I was reading, I stayed focused. The chapters flew by and I fully comprehended the message. I felt totally alive!

Evening programs were very special. During our first evening, we watched a video about Japanese gardens and relaxed as Justin fielded questions. Evening number two brought our group closer than many families. Justin asked us to share what we were looking for from the retreat and what our experience had been so far. What an outpouring! I’m not sure even Justin was prepared for how moving the past two days had been for so many people. What an experience this all has been!

As I write this article one week after our retreat, I’m increasingly grateful for the lasting gifts I received. My T’ai Chi Chih and meditation have been particularly focused and healing. I am really experiencing “joy!” through movement. By not being attached to results, I’ve relaxed and have just completed the most productive week I can remember. By being in the world but not of the world, this week sailed by somewhat like Bill Murray’s perfect day in the movie Groundhog Day.

Thank you, Justin, for the many gifts but particularly for this insight: to change the world without, I must first repair and strengthen the world within.