From a convent in Italy to Nøsen in Valdres

We always look forward a little extra when Kristin Flood comes to Nøsen. She is a source of deep conversations about the mystery of being human. There is always something to learn, to understand, and she always has a perspective that inspires. But perhaps most of all we look forward to the silence. Kristin holds silent retreats at Nøsen, which means the whole Nøsen crew has to be considerate, and be in silence too.

"The first time I came to Nøsen, the place was exactly what I was looking for: somewhere close to nature. Nøsen was also a place where inner work was already established. I have held silent retreats in a convent in Italy for 15 years. It is a big contrast, admittedly, but at Nøsen I find a similar atmosphere, where those who work here are dedicated, not in prayer but in their yoga practice. On a silent retreat you learn how to become more authentic, how to mature from the inside out, psychologically and spiritually."

On the retreat at Nøsen the participants are silent for four days, at meals too.

Kristin has a meditation practice herself, and although she is not a Catholic she has travelled around Italy and lived in different monasteries and convents. That is how she has learned that silence is a unique tool for inner growth. Her books Amor Fati, I Frans av Assisis fotspor, Rom for stillhet and Nærvær tell of different sides of personal growth.

"I have lived in Italy for 30 years, a country with strong spiritual roots. It is natural to have a faith, to go to Mass or to seek silence. The monasteries are still so alive. The monks and nuns know how greater insight comes through the experience of silence."

Kristin lives in the art city of Venice and is, naturally, deeply engaged in the history of art and culture. She believes Europe's cultural roots lie in Italy. At the moment it is the Italian poet Dante Alighieri who absorbs her. She has worked for many years on a free retelling of his Inferno. In May her book Dantes Inferno comes out: the story of Dante's wandering beneath the surface of the earth, down into Inferno, hell, and on to his meeting with the greatest demon of them all, Lucifer.

"It is interesting to discover how this work from the 1300s is still relevant. The text can be read symbolically, in different ways. For example as an invitation to dare to look yourself in the eye: to become aware of our shadow sides, and that we can live a better life if we choose differently. But the everlasting search for truth is challenging. I hope this retelling can create interest and curiosity and widen readers' horizons. Important literature and art often point to the same thing: that all people can grow and mature to become more real and true."

Kristin ends the conversation with a warm encouragement: "Listen to the small voice in you. Follow your calling. Believe in it! Even if it is scary, THAT is what takes you forward, in hard times too."

Kristin comes to Nøsen regularly, and her retreats and workshops have become very popular. Interested? Keep an eye on our retreats.

More about Kristin: www.kristinflood.com.