Meditation Retreat at Portsmouth Abbey

Last week, I participated in a solo, two-day meditation retreat at Portsmouth Abbey in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, just north of Newport.  I was grateful for the opportunity to pray, meditate, sit, and chant with the monks at Portsmouth Abbey.

Meditation Retreat at Portsmouth Abbey – The Chapel

Suppose you have never visited a Benedictine Monastery before. In that case, they wake early in the morning, typically around 5:00 a.m., beginning the day with the first of seven “Offices”, or times of communal prayer through chanting. As a guest, you are welcome to join them for as much or as little of their daily routine as you feel moved. I did not choose to take part in the early morning prayer time. Instead, I stayed in my room for silent prayer and meditation. I went there for silence and meditation.

Meditation Retreat at Portsmouth Abbey – Inside The Chapel

I have visited other Benedictine Monasteries before; the most notable was a five-day meditation retreat at Gethsemani Abbey in Kentucky. Gethsemane Abbey is where the famous monk and mystic Thomas Merton lived and wrote his journals. It was an incredible experience. Last week’s visit to Portsmouth Abbey was also an exceptional experience. There are several differences between the experiences, but the most glaring is the degree of silence that is practiced. At Portsmouth Abbey, during the day, quiet, simple conversation is acceptable; after the last prayers at night, the monetary is silent, what they call The Greater Silence. At Gethsemani Abbey, the monastery is always silent except for teachings, prayer, and chanting. I prefer the full silence. One of the images that stand out in my mind from my time at Gethsemani Abbey is the little white folded cards placed on the tables of the cafeteria stating, “Silence is spoken here”. I smiled every time I read the card.

Probably my favorite experience of the meditation retreat, outside of the solitude and silence on a gorgeous property, was chanting with the monks, as in the image below. What an honor.

I find meditation retreats like this now and then helpful in increasing the commitment and focus of my work and intention; they bring me closer to myself and you, whoever you are. I am also aware that it improves my sense of connection to those I work with.

Meditation Retreat at Gethsemane Abbey

If you would like more information about Portsmouth Abbey, how to meditate, or meditation training, please contact me when you are in your moment of inspiration.

Meditation Retreat Music by Benedictine Monks

Benefits of Meditation

Michael Swerdloff

Providence Holistic Counseling Services