‘I'm spending Christmas in silence – with a total stranger'

Sherylin Thompson, 47, from London gives up the traditional festivities to spend Christmas at a silent retreat

- RUTH ADDICOTT

This year I’m spending Christmas in silence. Complete silence. There’ll be no cards, no presents, no crackers or trimmings – not even a glass of fizz. In fact, on Christmas Day, itself, I’ll be waking up next to a stranger. As crazy as it may sound, I can’t wait.

I had no idea what meditation was until I went to Thailand in 2003. I’d separated from my husband after four years of marriage and went away to do some soul-searching.

One day I went on a trip with a group of people to a beautiful temple and we were asked if we would like to do meditation. I was the only volunteer.

AMAZING FEELING

The monk got me to sit in the lotus position, which was terribly painful, then asked me to close my eyes and to see a flame in front of me and focus on my breath. All I could think about was how sore my knees were and what I’d be having for dinner. I couldn’t wait for it to end.

It went on for two hours, but when I walked out afterwards, I felt amazing. My senses were heightened, I felt so aware and alert and relaxed. It was incredible.

I was training in psychology and interested in how the mind worked so, back in London, I found a meditation class and started going once a week. I bought meditation CDs and books and even a cushion so I could practise at home.

I got so into it, my mother became concerned. She thought I was conversing with spirits, trying to become a medium or something. My parents are strong churchgoers and had no idea about meditation. They thought it could be dangerous and affect my mind.