In a world flooded with information and communication, it’s no wonder so many of us look to ways of escaping life if even just for a little moment. Vipassana retreats, getaways in which guests are encouraged to be silent through the entire experience, have gained in popularity as a way of distancing ourselves from the real world for a moment of relaxation and recovery. Whether you’ve heard a close friend rave about the retreats and want to see what it’s like for yourself or you’ve been practicing mindful meditation and want to delve a little deeper into your practice, being properly prepared for a Vipassana retreat may be the answer you’ve been searching for. In this article, we will take a look at some of the best-proven ways to prepare for your getaway.
Research, research, research
The building blocks of any great escape is doing ample research to adequately prepare for the experience and what is to come. A silent Vipassana retreat is no simple undertaking, so being equipped with the right mindset may help you make it through the weekend with ease, and you may even thrive doing it. So, start by looking into what centers around you or across the globe offer Vipassana retreats. Once you have pinpointed a center and destination that you are most comfortable with and works within your budget, research the reviews to find out what others have said about their experience. This will give you a better idea of what you can expect during your silent retreat.
Eat healthily
No, we do not recommend undertaking a diet or participating in fasting before or during a Vipassana retreat. Each escape will be a long couple of days and maintaining proper nutrition is essential to help you get through the experience with ease. You should avoid falling into the trap that introducing a diet will help you deepen your meditative connection and instead focus on providing your body with the energy it needs to participate in the activities of the retreat. You will feel much healthier, happier, and more engaged if you have a balanced meal plan prepared rather than restrict yourself to a diet.
Pack appropriate gear
Comfort is king in a Vipassana retreat so it would be best not to come unprepared. Be sure to gather your warm and cool clothing to cater to any weather conditions as being too hot or cold will have a significant impact on the results of your retreat. Comfortable shoes or sandals are also essential as you will spend time walking about, something you don’t want to be made more difficult with an old pair of sneakers. Another handy piece of gear to bring along is a watch so that you are always aware of the time and can plan attending activities or getting your daily routine done in a timely manner.
Prepare for the worst
The trip itself will be incredibly rewarding but you need to be completely aware that at least one or two days are going to be extremely rough. These are inevitable as such a retreat is a far-cry from the lifestyle you are used to. That is why it is so important to shift your mental framework through meditation before your getaway so that you already have an idea of the practices and can employ them in difficult situations. Just know that you will get through the hard times and you will leave feeling more fulfilled.
With these tips in check, you can properly prepare for your next Vipassana retreat and shift your mind into a relaxed, happier state.
