I decided to come as a volunteer – to combine mindful work in silence with participating in the morning and evening meditation sessions and lectures. Some very difficult situations had drained my batteries – and my finances too – so volunteering gave me a chance to recover and reconnect with myself, and I could “pay” for it through work. I’m grateful for that opportunity.

I’ve always believed it’s important to contribute as a volunteer – because not everything can be paid for with money, especially when it comes to spiritual content. So much is needed to build and maintain a place like the Chan Centre, so it can welcome people searching for deep peace.

The effort and work of the teacher and all the people behind the programs, as well as the support we receive through online and in-person programs, is enormous – and it’s important to support that. I think we need to cultivate a culture of helping, giving, and community building – where we don’t act transactionally (money for service), but as builders who care, working with our hearts, together. Being part of the Chan Centre, even with the tiniest contribution, is a big deal. You know that poem by Dobriša Cesarić about the drop and the waterfall? What each of us does alone is certainly insufficient – but together? Together we can do a lot.

The Volunteer Schedule

I started each day just like the other retreat participants – waking up at six and going to the morning meditation. After breakfast, I joined the cook and helped prepare meals. We worked in silence, using words only when absolutely necessary. By the last day, we were working so smoothly together that I felt like we were dancing around each other in some meaningful choreography. I thought to myself – if I ever ran a company, we’d work in silence. Because words really are often just a distraction and a meandering into unnecessary chaos. We need more silence – that’s what working in the kitchen, in silence, taught me.

When I finished, I had about an hour (sometimes a bit more) for my own practice. In the Centre’s wonderful environment, I practiced Qi Gong and recharged my batteries surrounded by the vibrant April nature. The beautiful forest, tidy lawns, buzzing, singing, and rustling of nature – all so healing.

Then, half an hour before lunch, I helped serve the meal and wash dishes. After lunch, I had about half an hour of work in the kitchen, and one day I also did some gardening.

Mindfulness in Silent Work

To be honest, I find sitting in meditation easier than working mindfully. Meditating comes naturally to me and is relatively easy. But work? That’s where all my absent-mindedness, the noise in my head, the rushing, and my complicated relationship with work come up. That’s why this combination with an emphasis on work was a fantastic way to meet myself.

While working, I observed my thoughts. By returning to mindfulness, awareness, and the joy of the present moment, I became aware of my inner world. This illuminated some of my mind’s traps and opened up a lot of space for me to get to know and allow mindfulness to develop even while working.

In the beautiful environment and deep silence of the Centre, it was a deeply nurturing experience. When the retreat ended, I felt fulfilled and deeply rested.

Sitting in the Chan Hall

The morning and evening meditations and lectures gave structure and meaning to the experience – in the morning to prepare for the day and ground myself, and in the evening to gather my impressions and experiences of mindful work in silence. It was wonderful. Peaceful. Full of good energy and great support from the whole team.

Work is Meditation

I once read that work is the highest form of meditation. Because we can meditate for an hour, even a few hours a day – but to survive, we have to work. How we approach work matters – for us and for everyone around us.

My volunteering was a wonderful training in work as meditation – or mindfulness at work. I brought home many insights, as well as a sense of satisfaction. Simple physical tasks are often missing in this crazy age of screens and abstractions.

At the same time, I became aware of my mind’s traps, the ego’s tricks, and that whole “mental centrifuge” – and I partially let them go. As soon as I returned, I was much more fluid and efficient at my job. The tasks I’d started began moving forward with greater ease – more consciously, removing the obstacles that block presence and mindfulness.

The Chan Centre as an Image of a Harmonious Life

I often think that we all lack a spiritual approach to daily life – as well as practical organization and simple rules that protect life. There’s too much tug-of-war, improvisation, and chaos – which doesn’t do anyone any good, neither children nor adults. The Chan Centre is like a school of life – how to set and maintain rules that provide structure while nurturing what’s good in us.

Teacher Žarko, Karmen, and Ela have done a wonderful job here – the clarity and “strictness,” the tidiness and rules provide the backbone and discipline we need, while their human warmth, consideration, and genuine care for us give a feeling of safety, being looked after, and love.

That care was reflected not only in the teaching and the environment, which mirrors order and harmony, but also in the exceptionally delicious food – our cook Karolina prepares wonderful meals – healing, balanced, tasty, and aromatic. I’ve never tasted such harmonious, delicious, and thoughtfully prepared vegan meals.

I want to express my gratitude – not only for this retreat and the opportunity to volunteer, but also for the lifelong dedication, effort, faithfulness, and diligence of the Chan Centre team, through which they’ve created this place of refuge, recovery, spiritual growth, and connection for all of us. Of course, my gratitude also goes to the entire tradition under whose wing we can find meaning, refuge, and a path.

Volunteering at the Chan Centre enriched me, rested me, gave me peace, and inspired my personal growth – and I can’t wait for the next opportunity. I would recommend this experience to everyone because it allows us to build ourselves while contributing to making the Centre even more beautiful, functioning better, and able to care for our spiritual and human needs. We all need to be part of something larger than ourselves in order to fulfill our human purpose and feel true satisfaction in living.

Željka Babić, Volunteer