Introduction to Silence

Christian teachers throughout history have emphasised the value of silence in going deeper with God and discerning His voice. But many of us are strangers to silence. Our homes and workplaces are filled with chatter, human and electronic. We fill what silence there is with online, radio and TV babble.

Silence is a precious gift, a background that brings the divine voice into the foreground – and Kilmalieu offers silence in abundance. Not total silence of course … the sound of birdsong and running water are always there … but the kind of fertile quietness that enables a ‘still small voice’ (1 Kings 19:12) to be heard.

On this retreat you will explore silence gently, with the support of others and an experienced guide. There will be times of solitude and silence, but also times of encouraging fellowship with others. You will be invited to join the community at Kilmalieu in the daily rhythm of prayers and you will be offered a variety of ways to engage with the nature of the hills, coastline and woodland that surround Kilmalieu or use the facilities of the art room or meditate on scripture.

Kilmalieu occupies a stunning position on the shore of Loch Linnhe. It is a renovated eighteenth-century hunting lodge with a mixture of comfortable single, twin and family bedrooms. Food is home-made and consistently praised for its quality. Guests have access to a small library, chapel, art room, games room, lounge, labyrinth, sports hall and gym.

This retreat is led by Dr Steve Aisthorpe, the Centre Director of Kilmalieu. Steve is an experienced retreat leader, an accredited coach and author of various books, including Rewilding the Church and Knowing You, Jesus.