Sometimes when we are trying to take time out for meditation, distractions don’t allow us to truly relax and immerse ourselves in the practice. This is why some people choose to go on meditation retreats—a trip taken for spiritual benefit and inner peace. It can last for as short as half a day, to a few days, a week, or even longer.
The end of the year and the start of a new year are some of the best times to go on a meditation retreat. Here one is able to take stock of the year that was, or to look ahead and see what changes and goals are possible for the days ahead. While it’s true that we can do all that from the comforts of our home, a nature experience away from familiar surroundings will certainly gift us with a different set of benefits. Here are a few:
Connect with nature. Experience a refreshing and inspiring kind of calm and bliss while meditating in the midst of nature. You can deepen your meditation practice in a space that is specially created for this purpose, complete with the tools that one may need to do so.
Spend time with like-minded people. Too much talking is normally discouraged but one can gain wisdom and inspiration from the discussions and personal connections. Friendships are likely to blossom in these settings.
Disconnect from technology. It feels great to finally be free from the internet, gadgets, and distractions. Unplug and experience the kind of silence and peace you can’t get in your everyday surroundings.
Focus on yourself. Since you are away from normal responsibilities, you can give full attention to self-care for a change. Your body and soul will enjoy healthy food, clean air, sunlight, and pure silence.
Forget worries for a while. There will be no need to be anxious about bookings, food, transportation arrangements, and the like. The assumption is that the retreat organizer will take care of these things for you so you can devote your full time and attention to your meditation practice.
Reset familiar patterns. As opposed to short bursts of meditation time at home, a longer and more focused practice can reset familiar patterns, which may be quite challenging to achieve while one remains in the center of daily realities.
Go back to basics. Every meditation retreat has its own set of rules and guidelines. These are meant to ultimately make the experience pure and beneficial for participants. Everyone will have to live simply for a few days and that brings great benefits as well.
A meditation retreat would be the perfect present for the self. In fact, a regular or annual retreat would be ideal. Think of it as taking a much-needed and much-deserved holiday for the sake of your spirit and soul.