Shelter of Serenity: Finding Your Inner Bell

Writer: Nhat Minh - Comms Intern

Written on: 9th February 2025

Continuing our monthly Voices of Resilience series, on January 20th, 2025, we held the 5th chapter in Da Nang, called "Shelter of Serenity". We gathered at a cozy, quiet cafe with C4C staff and volunteers, creating a warm and friendly space to share and connect.

Right from the start, we were captivated by the special bell that our speaker, Miss Thanh Van, brought with her. When the bell rang, her story of "Inner Bell" began to unfold. With her heartfelt voice, Miss Thanh Van took us through her inspiring journey, from the joy of love to facing domestic violence. She bravely overcame those difficulties and how did she find the strength to overcome these struggles?

Ms Thanh Van welcomed us with a warm smile

Along the way, two moments changed Thanh Van's life, making her realize the true value of life and how fragile it can be. It was a powerful reminder that every day we live is a precious gift. 

A 10-day meditation retreat became a turning point, where Thanh Van discovered her inner bell. That sound became a great source of strength, helping her through tough times. During the retreat, Thanh Van followed a strict routine: no phones, no talking, waking up at 3:30 AM, and practicing 10 meditation sessions each day, each lasting an hour. Then, the first time she heard the temple bell ring and something awakened inside her. Thanh Van "listened" to the bell inside her, even when the outside sound faded away. Since then, she takes time to listen to her inner bell regularly. The meditation retreat changed her perspective on life, teaching her to embrace stillness in the face of challenges and to cherish every moment—both joyful and painful. 

She shared the moment realizing her "Inner Bell"

Thanh Van's story of "Inner Bell" gave us a deep message about life: how to face challenges and the importance of listening to ourselves. Every time the bell rings, it's a chance to connect with our inner selves, heal our pain, let go of the past, and learn to love ourselves. Above all, Thanh Van's story shows the strengths and resilience of women, showing that no matter how many hardships we go through, we can always find inner strength to rise again.

A highlight of the event was the peaceful meditation led by Thanh Van and a monk. We were introduced to the singing bowl and learned how to ring the bell. Everyone had a chance to create their own sound and feel its vibrations. Then, we were guided in a meditation with the sound of the bowl. The soothing sounds spread, creating a peaceful and deep atmosphere, helping everyone connect with their inner selves and receive the healing power of mindfulness. After the meditation, we all felt relaxed and at ease, as if all the tiredness and stress had disappeared. The meditation brought us special and unforgettable feelings.

Everyone had the chance to ring the bell

After the meditation, the atmosphere became more open and friendly than ever. We shared our personal experiences from the session—some felt light and peaceful, while others had deep and reflective moments. We also discussed about the role of meditation in healing wounds, both physical and mental. In that warm space, everyone listened to each other's stories and felt connected, sharing and learning from each other.

We joined a meditation session, then we discussed and shared our stories.

That "Voices of Resilience" event was truly special and memorable. We not only heard the inspiring story of our speaker, Ms Thanh Van, but also explored the deep meaning of the "Inner Bell" within each of us. The meaningful meditation helped us connect more deeply with ourselves and those around us.

We hope that the feelings and valuable lessons from this event will continue to spread and stay with each of us on our journey to find peace and happiness. Don't forget to follow C4C for the next chapters of "Voices of Resilience", promising to bring even more surprises and meaning!