I was having a conversation with a friend of mine and I mentioned that I was planning to embark on a retreat. “Lucky you!’,” he said with a smile. ‘Time off! Time to relax! I’m sure it’ll be filled with spas and happiness.’
I smiled and bit my lip with a firm bite. There’s no need to explain why mindfulness retreats aren’t spas and that any taste of happiness is typically accompanied by stiff joints and a mind full of unhelpful “storytelling” your brain is storing up to enjoy these moments of peace. My own, for instance, are usually filled with memories of some embarrassing events that I’ve had in my lifetime, a constant musing regarding when and what my next meal is going to be, the symphonies of the most recent five songs I’d heard on Spotify prior to the retreat’s beginning and thoughts of what that person next to me in the meditation hall might be doing to earn an income – perhaps an account with a chartered status or maybe a long-lost monegasque monarch?
The majority of mindfulness-based retreats include sessions of formal sitting as well as mindful walking and movement along with discussions and teaching. The days are long , with the initial practice of the day typically beginning prior to breakfast and the final one following dinner later in the night. Long periods of silence are practiced, even during mealtimes and the practice encourages one to stay away from the internet as well as other distractions.
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The slowing down could be so significant that a gradual return to the normal routine and bustle of daily life is necessary when you are getting ready to return home. In fact, a acquaintance of mine was stopped by police while driving home following an eight-day retreat. She was not aware of her speed of travel driving at 30 miles per hour in the middle of the M3 motorway.
Given the requirements for these prolonged periods of silence, peace and silence, why would you to the retreat?
It takes some to get used to but after a few days it is possible to slow down, and begin to see how scattered our minds can become and how great it feels to truly be present in the moment, and the amount of time and space it gives us.
Imagine a retreat as:
A self-care practice. We often say to ourselves, “I’ll get an’me time’ at some point’ …’ it’s convenient, but the time does not happen due to the fact that life is insanely busy. And those working in the field of education are experts in putting the needs of others (family and friends, students or colleagues) requirements and well-being over their own needs and wellbeing.
An opportunity to reconnect with or deepen your practice of mindfulness.
A chance to connect and share ideas and knowledge with like-minded individuals.
A means of re-connecting with the everyday life from an entirely different view. When you return to your daily life, though it’s unlikely that you’ll experience any revelations of the damascus type You may experience small improvements – for example, food tasting more enjoyable and the family bonding less stressful and less time spent ‘doing the little things’, and less the reactivity. Therefore, attending the mindfulness retreat can be viewed as a gift to those you live with and interact with.