Back in July, we ran a competition in partnership with The Sanctuary where the winner got to take part in an Irish Ashram experience for three nights. Here, the competition winner, Louise Little, writes about her experience.
Once I had the back pack filled and on my shoulders I felt as if I was heading off travelling the world like I had done so in my youth. I was heading to Dublin from Galway but the feelings were the same – joyous excitement and time out on my own. It’s been a while since I had donned the rucksack! Now that I was all grown up (?!) I was only too delighted to have some time out from the trials and tribulations of what life can throw at you and in my case it felt like a constant stream of bad luck, heartache and illness over a period of 8 months for me and my family.
As I arrived at the Ashram in Howth (Stella Maris Retreat Centre) with my friend who dropped me there, we were like giddy teenagers going on an adventure. My friend grew up in the area and was only delighted to be reminiscing about her youth. When we were greeted at the reception desk my ego was deflated fairly quickly. In my mind I thought since I was the winner of the Ashram Experience competition, I would be treated like a mini celeb and have a photo or two taken for the website. No such thing – the volunteers had no idea there was even a competition for the Ashram Experience! As the introduction booklet states “the ashram is a very simple experience”! So no fanfare to contradict the ethos of the place – what was I thinking?! The gentle voice of the lovely volunteer, Pauline, explained to me how things were going to be for the next few days and then my friend departed.
I was shown around the house that evening, informed I could help myself to anything I needed and directed to my room. A full orientation would be held in the morning. The Ashram is located on the grounds of the Stella Maris convent in Howth. It is a shared space for the month of July with the permanent residences, the sisters of charity. The convent and retreat house stands in Gleann na BhFeine, the glen of the Fianna, part of the Howth Peninsula, Co. Dublin. Behind the high wall and driveway to the back of the building hides the most beautiful surrounds. The view from the hill is looking out onto Dublin Bay with the Wicklow Mountains in the distance. There are tiered gardens with beautiful large trees lining the land and pathways. The immaculately kept grass is sprinkled with brightly coloured flowers such as roses and lavender to name but a few. There is a path down to the cliff walk which goes for miles around the hill of Howth.
The mornings began at 6am to the sound of a ringing bell to ensure all had risen for morning yoga. To my surprise I managed all 3 early starts! Nothing was compulsory at the ashram. If you did not feel like getting up for the activities or meditation no one was going to reprimand you for it. It was a time to be still and with oneself, quietly and mindfully. The yoga–asana was led by David Halpin which comprised of an hour of gentle movements and stretches to get us set up for the day ahead. To my surprise it was very refreshing to be awake so early in the morning – however I think the magnificent view of the bay and mountains contributed greatly to this as I am 100% not a morning person!
Yoga-asana was followed by chants and meditation led by Fr. Korko Moses before breakfast. Fr Korko is a Jesuit priest from Tamal Nadu, India. He is a spiritual guide, teaching contemplative practices of meditation and yoga. He is the founder of Dhyanavanum, an Ashram inspired by Christian and eastern spiritual traditions. He is also a counsellor, leads retreats and has worked with people with addictions.
After nearly 2 hours we were then ready for breakfast. Eating mindfully and silently was a very new experience for me. However, after the initial awkwardness it actually felt very good to feel so present and grounded. It made me realise how rushed and hurried life really is and that in general we do not allow ourselves to taste the food we are eating so fast let alone digest it when we are off thinking of the next chore, task and activity to do.
The silence did take a bit of getting used to but there was also a great freedom in not having to talk to anyone and explain myself, who I was, my name, where I came from – the usual small talk that happens when you meet strangers in a group. However there was a room below in the garden if the silence became all too much and you could sit in there and chat away to your heart’s content if you wanted. Once breakfast was over there was plenty of free time for silence and reflection before the next session of meditation. In this time karma yoga was performed which is described as union through action. Basically it is helping out with any chores that needed to be done such as clearing dishes after meals, sweeping, general housekeeping and gardening but done selflessly, mindfully and for the good of others and the world without expectation or appreciation for self satisfaction.
There was plenty of free time to do as you wished. There was a gentle flow to the day and nothing was rushed or hurried. There was a wonderful walk way on the hill of Howth or you could just hang out in the beautiful surroundings. I spent a lot of time reading and writing, however, I must admit on one of the days I did hop back into bed with a book and went for a little snooze before the afternoon meditation session!
Within the Ashram there was a kitchen where all the meals were prepared. It was all homemade vegetarian food with the larger meal of the day at lunch time and soup, salads and freshly made brown bread for the evening meal. Dinner was at around 12.30 each day and included a delicious homemade dessert every day. I can actually say I never ate a banoffee pie so slowly in all my life and don’t think I ever will again!
Although the overall experience was done in silence there was an opportunity to speak and talk by asking questions twice during the day when there was presentations given about the different mystics. There were 2 lectures each day, one in the morning and the other in the afternoon. Each session started with about half an hour of meditation. Before supper at 6pm there was a short session of Bhajan singing, mediation and arati.
In the evening there was a final closing of the day which is called Satsangh. This was sharing on the day’s experiences with others and gave time for questions and answers. It was a lovely end to a long day and always Korko had a wonderful story to tell about parts of his life and experiences he had gone through. Due to the very early starts I was in bed by 9pm and asleep by 10pm.
On the evening of departure there was a little chitter chatter because although I had not spoken to anybody I felt I had connected with people and we were saying our goodbyes and wishing each other well for the return home to the lives that we had gotten a break from for a few days. I have never experienced anything like this before and I would highly recommend the Ashram Experience to anyone. It is a wonderful time of peace and tranquillity, learning how to be still in the mind and be completely present in the moment. I felt totally rested and rejuvenated after 3 days of quiet and calm.
I am so grateful to have been given this opportunity and will treasure the experience for a long time. I might even return next year for a day or two to get connected with my inner spirit again! To conclude I wrote a line down from a book I was reading at the ashram which stated “humility is the capacity to accept whatever happens, peacefully” and this is something I would hope to take with me for the future.
The Sanctuary runs regular meditation, mindfulness and related courses and retreats. Find out more at sanctuary.ie
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