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This is a guest post by Dan Clayborne.
After a very tough few years, I decided it was time to get away for the Christmas holiday, but I wanted something non-traditional. This was truly an extraordinary adventure that was exhilarating and peaceful, as well as energizing and relaxing all in one little week-long getaway.
I had no idea how to go about finding an all-inclusive trip that would give me all the accommodations I needed, including the flight there. I had never met anyone who had done this before from the states. I spoke to a multitude of family and friends and then finally cracked down and went to a travel agency that is well-known in my direct area. They were reputable and very good, from what my friends could tell me, and this agency did not let me down. All I said was that I wanted an all-inclusive week-long getaway to Ireland. I explained that I was on a spiritual journey and just doing some soul-searching, and they gave me just that.
The trip included a flight into Dublin, a ride to and from the centre, a comfortable room and 3 healthy vegetarian meals a day. I paid just about $2300. This trip also included priceless experiences and connections with people from all over the world. You can spend as many days as you’d like in silence or participate in some of the most intellectually and spiritually stimulating conversations of a lifetime.
For this week, I tried a little of everything. I spent the first 2 days in utter silence, eating in solitude and meditating with guidance from a very beautiful and kind monk. The next 3 days, I was my usual social butterfly and met and spoke with everyone at the centre. I spent the last 2 days observing people, not necessarily in a vow of silence, but in a vow of learning and appreciating the beauty of all people.
If this is something you’d like to try, give it a shot. If you don’t know how, that’s okay too. You do receive guidance and instruction, and this sort of spiritual enlightenment is an opportunity you do not want to miss out on. When I came home, I received information about similar centres around the world. I’ll be planning my next getaway soon enough. You should do the same.
Flickr Photo: nasalfrog
Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post.
