Travelers come from all corners of the globe to seek solitude and silence in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, at an elevation of 8,000 feet, far removed from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Their destination, a retreat center, is typically accessed by a small mountain airport, and brings together a group of roughly 20 individuals who are, more often than not, strangers.
For ten days, they abandon the common social exchanges to practice silent, contemplative meditation in a communal room, their seats in a circle established at the first evening of orientation and introductions. In addition to not talking they are invited to refrain from eye contact—a monastic practice of “guarding of the eyes”— to further immerse themselves in their inner experience. Reading is suggested to be kept minimal if at all and journaling is suggested.
Despite the lack of conventional interaction, a deep bond, even affection for each other forms among these strangers, fostered by a shared intention and practice: to consent to the presence and action of a higher power within, named as God, Spirit, Divine Indwelling, or another personal designation. To each their own. This practice of inner consent is how the fulfillment of the Christian prayer, "not my will but Thy will be done" is realized.
The staff meet their basic needs such as meal preparation, allowing participants to devote their time to spiritual and Nature immersion, unless they volunteer to assist in small tasks such as dishwashing or setting the tables for meals.
In the pre-dawn darkness of each morning—cold in winter—a rare quiet envelopes the mountains and the valley below. Absent are the sounds of human activity, and the occasional coyote's call is heard. No traffic, no airplanes, no evidence of human habitation. On clear mornings, the stars shine vividly due to the absence of competing sources of light, almost close enough to touch. As the ole gospel tune goes "bright morning stars are shining, daylight is a breakin in my soul".
Guided by flashlights, the participants make their way one by one from their sleeping quarters to the communal room before breakfast for the first session of the day. Inside, it is dark, cool and silent, as each person returns to their chosen seat —as if a familiar landing spot, a welcome, a homecoming. Once assembled staff strike a gong which marks the beginning and end of each practice session.
Unfortunately this sanctuary for seekers of silence and solitude no longer exists. While other places hold such ten day retreats there will only be one Snowmass. For those who visited over the decades, the lessons learned and the gifts received by grace in the dark silence hopefully live on and continue to enrich their lives and the lives of others. And this too has passed - dark silence in Snowmass.
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Note: ChatGPT 4 provided editorial assistance.
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Note: ChatGPT 4 provided editorial assistance.