I'm Going Silent for 10 Days. Here's why that matters for all of us!

This is likely the first in a series of blog posts where I’ll be writing about the deep connection I see between death, dying, end-of-life planning, and spirituality. These themes are at the heart of Willow’s work—and at the heart of my own personal growth and exploration.

Tomorrow, I’m heading off on a 10-day silent meditation retreat. Ten days. No talking, no reading, no phone, no distractions—just me and my (very chatty) mind. For those of you who know me, you know I’m not exactly the quiet type. This is me pushing way outside my comfort zone. And yet, I know this is exactly the kind of reset I need.

What Does Spirituality Mean to You?

When you hear the word “spirituality,” what comes to mind? For some people, it’s about God or religion. For others, it’s about intuition, presence, or a sense of connection to something bigger than yourself. For me, spirituality is recognizing the inherent connection and unity of all things— that we are not separate individuals but rather part of a larger whole.

The Sacredness of Silence

With this retreat approaching, I’ve been thinking a lot about the silence that comes at the end of life. If you’ve ever been with someone who’s dying, you know what I mean. Words fall away. What’s left is breath, touch, presence.

I remember sitting with my father in the final months of his life. He wasn’t speaking anymore, but when I tried to let go of his hand, he would gently tighten his grip. Those quiet hours—just the two of us, no words—was one of the most honest, loving experiences of my life.

And on my mother’s last day of life, five of her children and a few others were buzzing around her in her room. She waited for the room to empty out and quiet down before she let go. I was fortunate to be the one person left and sat silently with her as she took her last breath. 

Silence has a way of cutting through everything that doesn’t matter. Whether you seek it out on retreat, encounter it in a moment of stillness, or meet it in preparation for end of life, silence can open your heart to healing, love, and truth.

Mortality as a Spiritual Practice

At Willow, we invite people to reflect on the reality of their mortality; not to be morbid, but to wake up to what matters most. When you remember that your time here is limited—whether you have days or decades left to live—you start asking different questions. You live with more clarity. You make choices with intention. And whether you think of that as spiritual or not, it changes everything.

When you contemplate your own death—not from fear, but with deep reverence—you begin to see your life differently. You might notice what’s been neglected, who you need to forgive, or how you want to be remembered. In my view, these aren’t just logistical questions. They’re spiritual ones.

That’s why I say end-of-life planning is spiritual work. It’s not just about getting your paperwork in order. It’s about listening quietly to your soul, aligning your life with your values, and expressing the love you might otherwise leave unspoken.

A Gentle Invitation

As I step into ten days of silence, I offer you these prompts for contemplation:
✨ What does spirituality mean to you?
🤫 What happens when you make space for silence?
⏳ If your time was limited, what would you need to let go of to feel at peace?

I’ll be back in touch after the retreat, with more reflections from the stillness. Until then, thank you for being on this path with me.