Jennifer Howd

This book made me cringe. The author goes on a week long silent meditation retreat near Joshua Tree. It is held in a nice retreat center and taught by well known and respected Dharma teachers. She shares a room with another woman. Unfortunately, Ms. Howd is ill with what she thinks is strep throat. She suffers and learns from her suffering. What I learned from her suffering is that not once does she consider that all the coughing and sneezing she does at the retreat could be infecting show more others. She is aware that the noises she is making may be annoying since it is a silent retreat but germs apparently do not occur to her at. all.
Obviously, this retreat was held pre-Covid but, still. show less

If you've never been to a silent retreat, you need to read this book. If you've been, but not for awhile, you need to read this book. This is one of the most honest accounts I've ever read of what a silent retreat entails. the reader feels like he/she is in attendance! I've been on a number of them and after reading this, I have to go again! I particularly related to the author's placement of her zafu and the person next to her making noise. Everything becomes emphasized when words are not show more allowed. Senses are heightened and little things that would usually not annoy us become gargantuan! This is a book I highly recommend! show less