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Go on a retreat


 

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How to go on a retreat by Greysen

"Enlightening"

How I did it: I heard about the Vipassana center from another 43Things-er. When I went to the website I found a lot of options as far as the locations were concerned. I selected the Dhamma Siri Center, in Texas.

Once I filled out the application it was only a matter of days before I recieved an acceptance letter and detailed instructions on the code of discipline, what I needed to bring, and directions to the center. It was all very well organized.

The Center was a wonderful facility and the meals, while vegetarian (I'm not) were delicious. There were about 70 people at the retreat, a pretty even split between men and women, of all ages and experience levels. It was a good decision going in the spring while the grounds were in full bloom, the songbirds were courting, and the weather was gorgeous.

The course was probably one of the most physically and mentally challenging things I've done. I know you're probably thinking "How is sitting around all day meditating a challenge?"  but trust me, it was. Without any outside distraction for 10 days, working the whole time in "Noble Silence", you learn a lot about yourself - sometimes more than you wanted to know.

Overall, it was an incredible experience. It helped me deal with my own issues and develop more kindness and compassion toward myself as well as my fellow human beings. I recommend this retreat for anyone and everyone.

Lessons & tips: Don't put it off saying that you can't afford it. IT'S FREE. Yes, you heard me right, FREE. All Vipassana Centers run strictly on the service of their volunteers and donations given by old students. (No, it is not a scam.)

Resources: Check for a center near, or far, at dhamma.org


6 people found this helpful
 

Apr 01, 07:27AM PDT | 4 comments | 9 cheers



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How I did it: I heard about it randomly at a time when I was feeling really drained and thought it was definitely something I had to do.I paid up, convinced a friend to come and had a blast at this retreat in the country doing fun, creative workshops, talking to women of all different ages, having massages and eating really nice organic, vegetarian meals. Read how I did it…

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How I did it: I went on the internet to follow up a hint of a colleague who knew about this retreat house - and I found a retreat that suited me immediately. The house is only a bus ride from where I live and therefore cheap to get to. Then I checked with three people at work if it was okay for me to go away for 10 days and after three days, everybody had said yes. I booked the retreat with a simple phonecall. And then I asked my parents if they could … Read how I did it…

Oct 04, 2008, 10:13AM PDT | 1 comment | 1 cheer


People doing this:

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  • Birmingham
    1 entry
  • Fort Lee
    1 entry
  • Singapore
    1 entry

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    People doing this are also doing these things:

    Entries

    edwards51102 is tired of computer's asking me how I am doing!!

    I want to go to wwme 3 months ago

    I want to go to WWME cause I think it would be a good thing.

    Aug 06, 07:29PM PDT | 0 comments


    Rebeccain09

    Midling 4 months ago

    Well, I haven’t done this yet but I hadn’t expected to by now. I did just find a retreat in Nairobi and may be able to get the time off to do it but have to decide if that’s really how I want to spend my leave.

    Jul 01, 07:53AM PDT | 0 comments


    Bopgenova writing PhD application

    so much to do before my retreat. But then I can relax :) 7 months ago

    My retreat is in a days time. I still need to finish off some bits on my thesis, create a workshop for a camp next week and attend an awards ceremony. And pack for the retreat!

    Big day tomorrow. Better get some sleep.

    Apr 01, 08:17AM PDT | 0 comments


    Greysen is a "spiritual tree-hugger". Huh. Who knew?

    Tomorrow!! 7 months ago

    I’m leaving tomorrow for the retreat. Everything is packed, including a flashlight and an umbrella (you never know).

    Mar 17, 01:27PM PDT | 0 comments


    Bopgenova writing PhD application

    Paid up and ready to go 7 months ago

    yay! I just paid to attend a women’s retreat in a country town from the 3rd – 5th of April.

    Can’t wait! Am really looking forward to it :)

    Mar 17, 05:25AM PDT | 0 comments


    Bopgenova writing PhD application

    women's retreat 7 months ago

    I’ve been working pretty hard over the last 2 months on my business and thesis. I’m feeling drained and like I need a break.

    Heard about a wonderful women’s retreat in the country that’s coming up. Really good price and comes at a perfect time.

    I will book myself a place tomorrow.

    Mar 16, 05:40AM PDT | 1 cheer | 0 comments


    Rebeccain09

    On semi-hold 8 months ago

    I don’t have any time off in the next little while to do this. So instead, I’m working on meditation on my own. I’ve got a great book that is an eight-week guide for beginners. I’ve done three days so far (yah me!). I figure if I do this work now, it will be really great practice for a retreat.

    Mar 11, 09:34AM PDT | 0 comments


    Greysen is a "spiritual tree-hugger". Huh. Who knew?

    Two Weeks... 8 months ago

    and counting before I go on my vipassana meditation retreat.

    Mar 04, 02:12PM PST | 1 cheer | 0 comments


    Rebeccain09

    March 1 8 months ago

    No progress on this. I had meant to read something in my mindfulness book. Will do that tomorrow and then get started on practicing on my own. Will also check into meditation centres in Nairobi when I get there.

    Mar 02, 12:05AM PST | 0 comments


    Rebeccain09

    Untitled 8 months ago

    I’ve wanted to do this for a long time because I think it will really push me to face a number of fears and hopefully come out stronger for it. I’m looking into some possibilities but the barrier right now is finding one that fits my schedule.

    Feb 18, 01:05AM PST | 1 cheer | 0 comments


    → See all 63 entries

    Ask for advice: Get help from people who've accomplished this goal


    Fort Lee
    		 Lisa asks, “Where is a good, affordable Buddhist retreat center for beginners?”
    — 3 years ago


    		 1 answer

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