"Difficult, rewarding, enjoyable and worthwhile"
How I did it: I checked out the Buddhist groups near me and noticed that one had an upcoming 7 day retreat on a beautiful remote island. So I found out details about it. Then I put it out of my mind as I thought I couldn't afford it.
At the last minute minute I decided to go anyway and I'm so glad I did!
I sorted out my travel arrangements and arrived on the island - a stunningly beautiful place that made me feel terrific as soon as I arrived.
It wasn't a silent retreat although parts were silent. I was shown the ropes - how to behave in the shrine room, how to meditate etc. Everyone was so lovely and helpful - part of what I enjoyed was meeting interesting people from so many different backgrounds.
Every day began with a bell at 6am. Just enough time to wash and dress before the meditation started at 6.30am. This was followed by a short walk and then a breakfast of genmai - a delicious rice and vegetable soup. The organic vegetarian food throughout the week was delicious - a real high point for me even though I'm not vegetarian.
During the day we spent a little time doing samu, chores like assisting with preparing meals, a little work in the garden, cleaning - whatever needed doing really. And there was plenty of time for cups of tea or coffee, chatting, reading or just admiring the beautiful view. And for going for walks and exploring the island.
We had 3, sometimes 4 meditation sessions a day, all slightly different. Sometimes we paired up to do guided shiatsu massage which was wonderful for relieving soreness in aching muscles. And there were aching muscles aplenty - who knew sitting could be so hard!
There were times when I felt sore and exhausted - but not in the usual way we're tired in every day life. And it definitely got easier towards the end and there was no doubt that I was glad to get home.
But all in all it was a wonderful experience and I hope to go again next year.
Lessons & tips: There are many types and durations of retreat. Talk to the organisers to find out if the retreat in question is right for you.
Don't give up if it's hard - it will get easier!
Surrender to the experience and don't be put off by the unfamiliar - I didn't understand some of the Buddhist ritual but participated as fully as I could.
That said - trust your common sense and if something feels wrong, don't do it. In this retreat at least we were frequently reassured that we needn't do anything that wasn't right for us.
If a retreat is run by a group in your area, try attending one of their regular meditation sessions to see if it's a good fit for you.
Forget about your mobile phone - I found it easy to do and I really enjoyed not having the usual distractions like TV and internet. We didn't have to turn ours off, it just felt right to me.
Resources: If anyone wants details of the retreat I went on (it's held on a beauiful island off the west coast of Ireland), let me know - it's open to all regardless of religion.
Apart from that, check out any local Buddhist groups - they're bound to have links to retreats even if they don't run their own.
Aug 11, 11:20AM PDT
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