In these stressful times, I really want to be in a meditation retreat right now.
Since it’s not possible in this situation, I decided to create my own retreat at home on the weekend, and I decided to make it a silence retreat as I really wanted to try one.
All I need is my intention and some self-discipline. It was quite an experience and I want to share with you a few guidelines as well as my schedule.
First things first, what does a silence retreat mean? It means to allow oneself a break of a few days away from normal activities and duties and use it in order to meditate while maintaining silence during the whole time. Meditation retreats are the best way to enjoy a holistic relaxation process and can be done from home.
Guidelines
- Give yourself permission to drop everything you are doing and dedicate some time just for yourself. You deserve it.
- Create intentions for your silent time. Listen to yourself and what you feel you need.
- Decide how much time you’d like to spend on this retreat and commit to a specific date. Block off time on your calendar, and treat it like you would any program you’ve registered and paid for.
- Choose a location (probably your bedroom) and make sure you have a quiet space.
- Make sure your room is clean and tidy. This will be reflected in you.
- Create clear boundaries with your family members or roommates depending on your living situation. Ask them to respect your silence to not disturb you.
- Decide if you want to retreat alone or with a friend who will respect the silence.
- Create accountability for yourself by declaring to others that you’re entering into a period of silence.
- Plan all meals beforehand. You don’t want to be sending time cooking during your retreat. In addition, it is desirable to eat light meals.
- Stay disconnected. Meditation is a practice meant to sharpen your attention, so power off all your devices and electronics.
- Print the schedule (or write it down), so you won’t have to think too much about logistics and so you don’t have to use a device.
Here is the plan I made:
Friday Night:
- 18:00 – 19:00: Walking meditation
- 19:00 – 20:30: Lecture
- 20:30 – 21:30: Meditation
- 22:00: Sleep
Saturday & Sunday:
- 06:00: Wake up, get ready mindfully, pray.
- 06:30 – 07:30: Loving-kindness Meditation
- 07:30 – 08:30: Yoga
- 08:30 – 09:30: Breakfast
- 09:30 – 11:00: Lecture
- 11:00 – 12:00: Meditation
- 12:00 – 13:00: Lunch
- 13:00 – 14:00: Break/pray
- 14:00 – 15:30: Lecture
- 15:30 – 16:30: Meditation
- 16:30 – 17:30: Walking meditation
- 17:30 – 18:00: Light snack/pray
- 18:00 – 19:00: Break (can be used to journaling)
- 19:00 – 20:30: Lecture/pray
- 20:30 – 21:30: Meditation
- 22:00: Pray then sleep
By Monday morning, I felt rejuvenated, satisfied, I felt that I found my inner peace and happiness back, I even wanted to keep it for one more day 🙂
