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Today is our Day of Silence
by michil costa
Giovanni, an architect living and working near Hotel La Perla, passes by most days to have a glass of white wine and occasionally we chat at the bar.
At 5.00 pm on Saturday the 19th September there was total silence. At the bar sat Giovanni alone. We acknowledged each other. He then passed me a piece of paper, “ What does silence mean to you?” he had written. From that simple question there emerged a ‘conversation’ between us in the form of notes exchanged, a communication like there had never been over the thirty years we had known each other.
I felt I knew him better.
Whoever telephoned the Hotel on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th September will have been surprised to hear the answering machine declare “ Today is our Day of Silence. Please call us back.” They will have said to themselves “La Perla has transformed itself into a convent!” or “From now on guests at La Perla will get crumbs of bread and a glass of water a day and be subjected to some form of brainwashing!”
Not to worry! To go to those extremes was not and is not our intent as there is so much to be enjoyed in this life of ours. Nor did we wish to be presumptuous in thinking we have something to teach others or, heavens forbid, contemplate that we could contribute on some level of spiritual awakening.
The sole aim was to share together reflections on silent hours passed together in company.
Yes, we did want to create an atmosphere whereby we could listen to ourselves, reflect on that which is all around us and for a moment or two remain with our lips sealed and give space to a fantasy within.
Yes, in a way we did wish to create those magic moments of a lost youth where we dreamed of pixies in the woods, the exchange of secret messages and the old wizard who told us a wise tale or two. As in our youth these were moments not to let pass by. Any why not admit it – we wanted to have a bit of fun and provoke a reaction or two.
And if we can be so bold we offer a conclusion or two after the event. We learned many things indeed: to say nothing does not mean one has nothing to say – many things were ‘said’ and many thoughts and emotions not usually expressed so readily came to the surface. The very appreciation of our being and of our breathing and all that makes us what we are was a revelation for many. Certain moments will stay with us because they are now etched firmly on our inner mind for they were experienced together in a shared silence and as such take on a different dimension. It is true, I can assure you. We will remember for ever the elegant ballet dancer accompanied by the silent and magical flute player. We will never forget the jam session as midnight approached in which guests discovered themselves to be masters of percussion.
Special were the moments on Sunday when the naughty pixies emerged from the woods to taunt our silent group of merry walkers, and inspirational the half hour spent with Cristiano learning how to understand our breathing, the effect body positions can have on our every part and contribute to a state of wellness.
And then the final gong marking the end of the Day of Silence with the waterfall of Pisciadù near Colfosco as a backcloth to our scene. A certain quiet was felt as the pixies and the delightful Ladies of Court drifted away to their woodland homes. They had helped us live for one day a different way – without watches, without mobile phones, and without a concern for the time of day.
To all who had the fortune to take part a huge hug, and to those of you who were not lucky enough to be present a sincere and heartfelt wish for great joy in the autumn season. The Dolomitic Sun is still shining bright!
michil
Giovanni, an architect living and working near Hotel La Perla, passes by most days to have a glass of white wine and occasionally we chat at the bar.
At 5.00 pm on Saturday the 19th September there was total silence. At the bar sat Giovanni alone. We acknowledged each other. He then passed me a piece of paper, “ What does silence mean to you?” he had written. From that simple question there emerged a ‘conversation’ between us in the form of notes exchanged, a communication like there had never been over the thirty years we had known each other.
I felt I knew him better.
Whoever telephoned the Hotel on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th September will have been surprised to hear the answering machine declare “ Today is our Day of Silence. Please call us back.” They will have said to themselves “La Perla has transformed itself into a convent!” or “From now on guests at La Perla will get crumbs of bread and a glass of water a day and be subjected to some form of brainwashing!”
Not to worry! To go to those extremes was not and is not our intent as there is so much to be enjoyed in this life of ours. Nor did we wish to be presumptuous in thinking we have something to teach others or, heavens forbid, contemplate that we could contribute on some level of spiritual awakening.
The sole aim was to share together reflections on silent hours passed together in company.
Yes, we did want to create an atmosphere whereby we could listen to ourselves, reflect on that which is all around us and for a moment or two remain with our lips sealed and give space to a fantasy within.
Yes, in a way we did wish to create those magic moments of a lost youth where we dreamed of pixies in the woods, the exchange of secret messages and the old wizard who told us a wise tale or two. As in our youth these were moments not to let pass by. Any why not admit it – we wanted to have a bit of fun and provoke a reaction or two.
And if we can be so bold we offer a conclusion or two after the event. We learned many things indeed: to say nothing does not mean one has nothing to say – many things were ‘said’ and many thoughts and emotions not usually expressed so readily came to the surface. The very appreciation of our being and of our breathing and all that makes us what we are was a revelation for many. Certain moments will stay with us because they are now etched firmly on our inner mind for they were experienced together in a shared silence and as such take on a different dimension. It is true, I can assure you. We will remember for ever the elegant ballet dancer accompanied by the silent and magical flute player. We will never forget the jam session as midnight approached in which guests discovered themselves to be masters of percussion.
Special were the moments on Sunday when the naughty pixies emerged from the woods to taunt our silent group of merry walkers, and inspirational the half hour spent with Cristiano learning how to understand our breathing, the effect body positions can have on our every part and contribute to a state of wellness.
And then the final gong marking the end of the Day of Silence with the waterfall of Pisciadù near Colfosco as a backcloth to our scene. A certain quiet was felt as the pixies and the delightful Ladies of Court drifted away to their woodland homes. They had helped us live for one day a different way – without watches, without mobile phones, and without a concern for the time of day.
To all who had the fortune to take part a huge hug, and to those of you who were not lucky enough to be present a sincere and heartfelt wish for great joy in the autumn season. The Dolomitic Sun is still shining bright!
michil
Col Alt 105 str. - I-39033 Corvara (BZ)
