How to Ensure a Successful Meditation Retreat?

Signing up for a meditation retreat can be a bit intimidating for some. What to expect? How to prepare? How to be sure that it’s the real deal and not just posing? In this brief article we outline for you the guidelines to ensure you will have a successful retreat.

Have a Goal

A constructive goal and an open mind are some of the prerequisites for a good meditation retreat. Some examples of these goals could be

• Taking time out for yourself to rejuvenate mentally and/or physically
• Uncluttering your mind and becoming more focused
• Getting clarity over important life decisions (“Should I take that ambitious job offer?” or “Is it the time to start a family?” etc.)
• Starting or continuing a spiritual journey of self-evolution

Setting a goal for your meditation retreat, even an abstract one, will help you to choose the right kind of retreat and give clarity to your own mind as to why you are putting yourself into a retreat situation, which at times may even be challenging and psychologically demanding.

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Do Some Research

In our blog and teachings we often stress the importance of following authentic and ancient spiritual traditions. We aim to encourage everyone’s enthusiasm to engage in spirituality and it is known that the age-old teachings tend to be far more effective and reliable than most of the modern versions.

It is the same when considering learning about meditation properly. Your local health center’s meditation class might make you feel better and give some directions, but there is simply so much more to experience and discover through a tradition and lineage.

Teachings that are passed down from the masters allow you to control your state of mind and through it, every facet of your life. Whatever your goals are, from practical to spiritual, with authentic meditation techniques there is no other way than to benefit.

So, before signing up for a meditation retreat:

• Learn about the teacher. He/she should be someone whom you should be able to trust and who has extensive personal experience and knowledge rooted in tradition.
• Be clear what tradition(s) will be followed.  For example, does the retreat also explain and teach meditation techniques and cover other important topics necessary to understand meditation truly. In spiritual traditions meditation can be almost like an exact science with clear guidelines and measurable results.

The Highest Tantra: Kashmiri Shaivism Workshop and Retreat

Part of Metaphysics Module

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What to Consider After a Meditation Retreat?

When completing the retreat, ask yourself how you are feeling and what you are thinking. A meditation retreat has been fruitful if you feel tangible changes afterwards. It need not be something you can put into words right away, but it is important that you are able to explain it to yourself eventually.

Lastly, take a few moments to consider how were the teachings and practices of the retreat. Was the teacher able to answer your questions in a clear way? Did you feel energetically supported? Did these help you to get closer to your initial retreat goal?

If these various considerations are positive, then you can be sure your meditation retreat was successful.