Silent meditation retreat?
http://thehistoryhacker.com/2014/12/ I want to try out one of those retreats where you meditate, do yoga, eat and sleep for 1 week without any talking, books, phone or tv. Integration of energy work or a sweat lodge experience would be a bonus. Any recommendations?
I’d most prefer a location in Northern California (because I’m considering relocating there) or a paradise beach town (so it’s closer to a traditional vacation).
3 Responses
oldernwiser
12 Feb 2010
chieko
12 Feb 2010
this is a good place…you have to book way ahead, but it isn’t really pricey and the brothers are very spiritual and cordial.
oldemystic
12 Feb 2010
I wish you a very happy retreat.
I used to often do these for up to 2 weeks, and can attest that they are very beneficial, depending on what you want to get out of it. My purpose was meditation, and the lack of external influences and distractions resulted in great insights. Beware that it may take up to 2 or 3 days just to quiet your mind’s ramblings (which is why one tends to increase the length of the retreat next time around).
I can’t help you on where to go, as I’m in Australia! However, most Buddhist Monasteries have meditation huts for hire. They have here, so I’m sure there’d be something in California. The advantage with the Buddhist Monastery is that they are usually isolated, with no traffic or screaming kids, have their own on-site kitchen and can usually arrange for a daily meal to be delivered to your hut. You should be able to choose whether to participate in their activities, or make it clear that you want to be left alone.
I’ve heard great things about these retreats. My minister goes to a month-long one every summer. Unfortunately, I don’t know about any locations in California, just the upper midwest. Sorry.