In the traditionally quiet week between Xmas and New Year’s I took a retreat. It was a no media retreat.
Over my life I have taken many retreats, with sitting zazen and doing virtually nothing except long walks. For me, I reach a happy blissful state is about three days with a clear and empty mind. It has been about five years since my last retreat. Before that it was quite regular.
For one ten year period beginning in the 1970’s I didn’t read or listen to the news or see a movie. A very productive period for me.
This time I found that the absence of email, the news and Facebook was a pleasant source of calm. In my house the phone makes a noise for all of these. The phone was off too.
It turns out my retreat was a little unnecessary. I reached the usual state of bliss in two days and it wasn’t important. These days I am nearly always in that state. Satisfied and calm with no driving goals other than visiting and spending time with friends and family. I didn’t need the retreat.
I decided that the time I spend reading the news is a waste so I have reduced that time significantly, including eliminating most of the material on Facebook except those very original people who use Facebook like a blog. I also spent more time focusing on my few musical resources including a harmonica, small flute and a keyboard.
End of report.