Retreats offer something rare in today’s world: a chance to step outside our usual habits and a chance to cultivate something deeper. But with that opportunity comes the need for a clear intention. It’s easy to slip into old patterns, even on retreat. So, how do you make sure your retreat is more than just time away?
First, let’s talk about the obvious: meditation.
When you sit, sit with intention. Concentrate. Stay still. Apply effort. Don’t shuffle in and out, or glance around to see how others are doing. It’s tempting, but when we meditate, we create a quiet space—not just for ourselves, but for everyone around us. Every disruption breaks that silence, and when the space is broken, so is the opportunity for depth.
In between sessions, conversations are natural. We’re human. We want to connect and share. But remember why you’re here. This isn’t the time to dive into the latest headlines or talk about your job. Talking about politics or worldly matters can stir up emotions, even conflict, which pulls you away from the purpose of the retreat. Keep the focus on your practice and your connections with the others here.
And let’s not forget the evenings. It’s easy to let your guard down as the day winds to a close, but this isn’t a vacation. It’s a retreat—it’s about creating a center of refuge within yourself. Maybe it’s a small change in your habits, maybe it’s a shift in your view, or maybe it’s just learning to sit with discomfort a bit longer. The point is, this is the space to experiment with those shifts.
If you find it hard to maintain these changes after the retreat, that’s okay. What matters is the effort you put in now, in these few short days. Each moment is an opportunity to explore the edges of your experience and understanding of the teachings, to open your mind, and to deepen your connections—not just with others, but with yourself.
If you find yourself getting caught up in conversations, step outside. Take a walk. Meditate alone. Exercise. Focus on building your self-discipline—not because anyone’s watching or enforcing it, but because it’s something you control. This is your chance to practice self-discipline in its purest form: the kind that comes from within, not imposed from outside.
Ultimately, what you get from this retreat is up to you. It’s your effort, your focus, and your discipline that will determine the outcome. This isn’t about perfection, it’s about intention. And that intention? It’s something you can carry long after the retreat is over.
