A Silent Retreat in the Golden Valley
By Bart Van Dijck
“Attention is the most magical substance in the universe.”
Yuvan Aves
At a time when our attention is almost constantly hijacked by screens, algorithms, adverts, Netflix and Instagram, it is sometimes difficult to focus on what really matters. Dealing with an overload of information and input has become a major challenge. As the Indian writer, activist and biologist Yuvan Aves points out, our attention may be becoming more magical, more valuable and more fragile than ever.
For four days and four nights, we will retreat to Orval Abbey, a spiritual and mythical place of contemplation, reflection and meditation. During this retreat, we will explore ways to reclaim our attention, through silent walks, deep observation, rituals and intuitive creation. The beautiful surrounding woods will serve as our setting for this. In the valley, we listen to the murmur of the water and observe how the river sculpts the landscape.
We will share meals with the other guests in silence, seated at a long table. Otherwise, we will spend as much time as possible offline and outdoors, in the open air, practicing being fully present with our attention in the here-and-now.
The emphasis is not so much on performance and output, but rather on participation and being present. The distance and detachment from school and our usual daily routine can inspire and help us gain new insights and perspectives to start the master year with a good mindset.
Bart Van Dijck
Bart Van Dijck is a Belgium-based artist, who works at the intersection between art, therapy and ritual. In his PhD research ÎNTERZONE (architecture of the ritual space) he explored the transformative potential of art and ritual.
>> This research class is part of the Research Week during the annual research festival ARTICULATE.
