How do you prepare for a silent retreat?

1. Let go of your expectations.
2. Get used to sitting.
3. Bring your own meditation gear.
4. Pack comfortable clothing.
5. Discuss dietary restrictions in advance.
6. Adjust your sleep schedule.
7. Start your digital detox early on.
8. Befriend silence.

What do you do on a silent meditation retreat?

During a silent meditation retreat, you’ll be guided as part of a group through Vipassana and the practice of Noble Silence by a teacher, alongside other exercises that promote introversion and help you release buried emotions. But bear in mind that Noble Silence is about much more than refraining from talking.

What should I bring to Vipassana retreat?

1. Footwear: Easy slip-ons e.g. clogs, flip flops for outside wear.
2. A shawl or light blanket other than your sleeping blanket for use in the meditation hall.
3. Unscented mosquito repellent.
4. Liquid laundry soap.
5. Umbrella.
6. Small battery operated alarm clock.
7. Flashlight with extra batteries.

How do you do the 10 day Vipassana?

10 days, 11 hours of meditation per day. No talking or communication of any kind, not even hand gestures or eye contact. No reading or writing materials of any kind. No exercise, no entertainment, no physical contact, no leaving the grounds, no food or drink besides what was provided.

How do I get the most out of a silent retreat?

1. Tip No. 1: Really listen.
2. Tip No. 2: Set intentions without attachment.
3. Tip No. 3: Take a few silent car rides.
4. Tip No. 4: Speak only when necessary.
5. Tip No. 5: Stretch.
6. Tip No. 6: Clean up your diet.
7. Tip No. 7: Start a journal.
8. Tip No. 8: Try telepathic communication.

How do you prepare yourself for retreat?

1. Pack Up. Pack your bags according to the packing list provided by your retreat leaders and take everything you will need to be comfortable.
2. Do Your Research.
3. Get Some Comfy Clothes.
4. Tell Someone.
5. Prepare to Disconnect.
6. Let Go of All Expectations.
7. Try Meditating.

What are the rules of a silent retreat?

Last January I flew to Dallas to attend a 10-day silent meditation retreat called a Vipassana. The retreat rules were no phone, no talking, no reading, and no writing for 10 days. To ensure best practice everyone checked in items that could be used to break the rules upon arrival.

How do you start silent meditation?

1. Find a comfortable spot where you can relax.
2. Set a timer for three to five minutes.
3. Begin by focusing on your breath.
4. As soon as your thoughts begin to wander, acknowledge the thoughts that come up, let them go, and return your focus to your breathing.

Can you read on a silent retreat?

A silent retreat is a unique time for participants, myself included. It’s a time to turn all distractions off — there is no talking, reading, writing, or eye contact.

How difficult is Vipassana?

The Vipassana retreat remains one of the most difficult things I’ve ever chosen to do. By Day 6, I felt exhausted by the pain, the sleepless spider-filled nights, and a mind slowly unspooling. Some people talk about intruding memories of childhood or overly sexual thoughts during their Vipassana experience.

Can you use phone during Vipassana?

You are not allowed to talk or have any form of communication. Not even gestures and eye contacts are permitted. You cannot carry your phone, laptop, or for that matter, any reading or writing material. To maintain the practical nature of the course, even books on Vipassana are not allowed.

Should I do a 10 day Vipassana?

Definitely. A yearly 10-day silent course is recommended for those who meditate, but given the way that this one tested my body and mind, I suspect I’ll wait a little longer. Maybe 2017 is a good year to schedule my next brain defrag.

Can you do 10 day Vipassana at home?

Vipassana at Home is an online meditation course for people who want to explore meditation in their everyday life. The course introduces participants to the Vipassana meditation technique over the course of 10 days. Participants will meditate every morning and evening using 1-hour pre-recorded guided meditations.

What are the stages of Vipassana?

• Comprehension (廣觀)
• Rise and fall (起滅)
• Dissolution (滅)
• Fear & disadvantage & disenchantment (畏 & 過患 & 厭離)
• Delight in deliverance & equanimity (樂解脫 & 捨)
• Conformity (相似)

How do I prepare for a Catholic silent retreat?

1. Give yourself permission. Feelings of guilt for carving out time away from family or work can undermine your trip.
2. Pray.
3. Call ahead about dietary needs.
4. Be flexible in your expectations.
5. Bring a journal or a book.
6. Get on the same page.

What do you do in a Catholic retreat?

In addition to the Mass, there are brief respites from the burdens of daily life we may experience in praying the rosary, spending an hour of adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, praying the Liturgy of the Hours, reading Scripture, sitting in meditation and contemplation, or enjoying God’s creation by walking a …

How do you plan a personal spiritual retreat?

1. Create the time and find a place. Consider the length of time you want to take, and figure out when it can fit into your schedule.
2. Set your intention.
3. Settle into God’s presence.
4. Reflection.
5. Connect with God.
6. Receive and return.

How do I plan a woman’s retreat?

What do you do in a prayer retreat?

This retreat can include times of contemplative prayer and studying Biblical examples of being heard by God. Give each woman a journal to record prayers and write down how God heard them and answered. Consider having a licensed professional counselor available for the weekend for times of listening and encouragement.

What can I expect at a spiritual retreat?

Mostly all spiritual retreats include accommodation in wonderful locations, healthy and delicious meals and meditation practices, or mindful exercises during the day. As mentioned above, some of them also add unique practices to help you accelerate your spiritual journey and make it more fun.

How long are silent meditation retreats?

The Kadampa Meditation Center also offers in-depth silent retreats that focus on the teachings of meditation and silent meditation. These guided experiences involve two days of teachings, followed by three days of a silent retreat.

How long should a spiritual retreat last?

According to Silverman, classic Vipassana (silent) retreats traditionally last 10 days but can be as short as 3 days. Silverman suggests setting aside at least 5 to 7 days, if possible, to give yourself the chance to fully immerse yourself and relax.

Is it better to meditate with or without music?

Scientific reports from neuroscientists show that listening to music produces the same effect as meditation. They’re both relaxing to the mind and body. The similarity ends there because meditation comes with different techniques that provide more benefits than mere relaxation.

Is silent meditation better than guided meditation?

“When you sit in silence, your mind begins to meander,” says Buttimer. “To get the mind to focus takes a lot of concentration. With guided meditation, you have a better chance of staying in that state of concentration for longer.”

Is sitting in silence the same as meditation?

Not that sitting quietly isn’t a form of meditation itself, but just so you have a definition where you’re specifically “doing something” — meditating is about paying attention. Attention to your body, your surroundings, your breath, your thoughts.