I did a couple Vipassana retreats a few years ago as well. Probably one of the hardest things I've ever done! But I learnt so much and I really do believe that the things I've learnt have formed the foundation to my later life.
I'm horrible at meditating but I do it every morning. It's my attempt to show up and do the work. That being said, I've spoken to many folks who talk about the life-changing experience of going on a retreat. And it sounds like it was for you, too. It also sounds like something everyone should do at least once in their life.
Showing up every morning is already a big win! I barely could do that, I actually move it to every evening before sleep now for me, haha cause I'm not a morning person.
I do recommend to everyone to try the retreat out if they can and want to :)
this makes me craving (bad word choice? haha) to go for a meditation retreat again! there's something special about being put into that environment with its limitations and frustrating lack of distractions and routine and simplicity that allows the mind to have a rest for a bit.
Yeah it also makes me wanna go again. But it might be some time more to wait for me :) there is indeed something special with deprivation and stripping everything down to its bare necessities.
I’ve done a 10 silent retreat, not Vipassana, and although the silence was observed, there wasn’t intense meditation or a strict meal schedule. I would love to try one like this. The silence, for me, isn’t the hard part. I think the hardest part for me would be the restricted eating!
Silence was also not a problem for me, maybe cause we are introverts/thinkers? The meal restriction was actually not as difficult as I thought, especially when your body settle into the routine. My most difficult part was waking up at 5 to meditate. 😅 i am generally more a night owl...
Yup, a 5am wake up is tough! Did you have any big insights or breakthroughs? Or was it subtle learning that kind of permeated through your life slowly like it was for me?
It was quite an experience then with my breakthrough that is the discovery of the best position for me and the pulsing in my body. Also my epiphany on "the now". Overall, I felt changed and wanted to bring it into my life, then life took over (not unexpected), and it became something I've always wanted to incorporate into my life ... so in other words it was not subtle learning, but the conviction that I can do it and it's something good for me will never be forgotten.
I did a couple Vipassana retreats a few years ago as well. Probably one of the hardest things I've ever done! But I learnt so much and I really do believe that the things I've learnt have formed the foundation to my later life.
A couple of them, what a feat! Yes, I totally agree that they do form a foundation in life. :)
I'm horrible at meditating but I do it every morning. It's my attempt to show up and do the work. That being said, I've spoken to many folks who talk about the life-changing experience of going on a retreat. And it sounds like it was for you, too. It also sounds like something everyone should do at least once in their life.
Showing up every morning is already a big win! I barely could do that, I actually move it to every evening before sleep now for me, haha cause I'm not a morning person.
I do recommend to everyone to try the retreat out if they can and want to :)
As you might know, the opportunities are a-plenty out here in SEA, but they’ll have to drag me in, kicking and swearing… 😘
this makes me craving (bad word choice? haha) to go for a meditation retreat again! there's something special about being put into that environment with its limitations and frustrating lack of distractions and routine and simplicity that allows the mind to have a rest for a bit.
Yeah it also makes me wanna go again. But it might be some time more to wait for me :) there is indeed something special with deprivation and stripping everything down to its bare necessities.
What a lovely read! You've inspired me to get back into my practice.
Thank you and that's great! I have inspired myself too ;) let's get back to it together.
I’ve done a 10 silent retreat, not Vipassana, and although the silence was observed, there wasn’t intense meditation or a strict meal schedule. I would love to try one like this. The silence, for me, isn’t the hard part. I think the hardest part for me would be the restricted eating!
Silence was also not a problem for me, maybe cause we are introverts/thinkers? The meal restriction was actually not as difficult as I thought, especially when your body settle into the routine. My most difficult part was waking up at 5 to meditate. 😅 i am generally more a night owl...
Yup, a 5am wake up is tough! Did you have any big insights or breakthroughs? Or was it subtle learning that kind of permeated through your life slowly like it was for me?
It was quite an experience then with my breakthrough that is the discovery of the best position for me and the pulsing in my body. Also my epiphany on "the now". Overall, I felt changed and wanted to bring it into my life, then life took over (not unexpected), and it became something I've always wanted to incorporate into my life ... so in other words it was not subtle learning, but the conviction that I can do it and it's something good for me will never be forgotten.