Kristin Pelzl-Scheruga is editor-in-chief for Body, Mind & Soul (WOMAN Balance). She visited us in Peli Kastri and took part in Peter Riedl’s mindfulness retreat.
In “WOMAN Balance,” she shares her experiences:
Upon arrival, I feel a deep connection that I cannot quite explain. The next morning, our course begins, in which we are to be initiated into “The Secret of Mindfulness”: I have had a good breakfast and trudge across the dusty ground amid centuries-old olive trees to the yoga platform, where meditation teacher Peter Riedl is already waiting for us. It is hot, windy, and I can hear the crickets chirping. “They’re allowed to do that!” I think, a little enviously. We are supposed to remain silent, even during meals. In addition: no alcohol, no meat, no social media, no sex. […]
Silence is challenging, but it is beneficial.
When we’re not studying, we let Julia spoil us. She is the tavern manager and a wonderful cook. Stuffed eggplant, tzatziki, tarama, bougatsa: “It’s for people who love the simple life,” she laughs. We don’t always manage to keep quiet. We are too interested in each other’s life stories.
On the other hand, silence is also relieving. Polite phrases, the constant urge to comment on, evaluate, or describe everything—all of that suddenly disappears. There is enormous power in becoming still, and one almost automatically shifts into a state of conscious presence. More and more often, I am able to identify thoughts and feelings as such. Suddenly, life itself becomes meditation. […]
You can find the entire article here: