Conducting a Solo Home Retreat

     Last month’s article on my week-long retreat spurred comments like “I couldn’t do that kind of retreat” and “I wouldn’t be able to sit for that long.” This told me that many people are interested in retreat, but maybe not as strict a one as I did (especially for a first retreat).   So if you are interested in going on retreat, keep reading…

Benefits of Retreats

     Retreats aren’t purely for relaxation, decompressing, and escaping the usual busyness of our lives, their main reason is for spiritual development:

·         time to reflect on our true nature,

·         discover who we are,

·         grow our strength and bravery to face the problems we typically avoid,

·         grow feelings of love and compassion,

·         study and develop wisdom,

·         gain clarity and understanding of the nature of our own mind,

·         spend time taming our mind,

·         taking care of ourselves,

·         resting and decompressing, as well.

Types of Retreats

     Organized group retreats usually have a teacher who provides feedback and guidance on a student’s practice.  The energy generated by a group meditating together is very powerful in motivating participants.  One’s practice is inspired by being in the company of like-minded people all making effort and persevering through the challenges.  Group retreats also grow one’s confidence and skill in practicing.  The challenge lies in following the prescribed schedule to gain the most benefit from the retreat.

     Some retreat and meditation centers offer private retreat options. The recommendation is for new retreatants to do a group retreat before a long private one as the private retreat is an advanced practice.  On these solo retreats, you stay in a private cabin, determine your own schedule, practice at your own pace, and have meals brought to your cabin.  This kind of retreat requires discipline as you determine the focus and practices of your retreat: the periods of sitting and walking meditation, study time, and the topic you want to pay attention on your retreat.   

 Solo Home Retreat

     Another alternative is to do a short private retreat in your home. Conducting a half day, whole day, or weekend retreat is a great way to gain confidence in being on one's own.  Private retreats can be as strict or relaxed depending on your intention.  If you aren’t used to sitting for long hours, then start with a half day retreat. 

     The opportunity on retreat is to move attention inward. Therefore, access and use of cell phones/telephone, television, radio, reading magazines and newspapers, and even socializing or running errands should be cut out or limited to as needed only.  Depending on your retreat purpose, plan some time for study, and reflecting and journaling your experiences.  Also set time aside for breakfast, lunch, and dinner which can be eaten as part of your practice.

     For example:  a first solo silent retreat will be to do it for half day or one day with the intention of being mindfully present in all your activities.  This will allow you sufficient time to do a couple sessions of sitting and walking meditation.  In a daylong, the first sitting could be at 8

am with an hour each sitting and hour walking alternating throughout the day. A weekend retreat can be a break from your usual routine and electronics, and the chance to breathe, write, hike, and be present.  If your goal is to develop your meditation practice, then your whole retreat can be the practice of your meditation technique.

      Retreating from home will require

preparation.  As much as possible, try and anticipate all your needs in advance to minimize distraction, worry, and planning during the retreat.  If you plan on studying, have the texts available.  Shop for your food in advance, plan a menu or cook, or have someone prepare food for you and drop it off.  Restrict speech to functional speech as much as possible. 

      Setting an intention for your retreat is important. Make it realistic and achievable especially for your first one. For instance: to be mindfully aware of and curious about whatever is unfolding in your mind, emotion, body.  Or to mentally note or label your actions throughout the day. 

     As important as intention is your attitude.  Being able to laugh and not take things too seriously when the strain of being on one’s own, or working with one’s mind builds up is vital in keeping you persevering.  Patience will be necessary too. 

      There’s much benefit to be gained from being on retreat.  At the very least it provides a welcome break to be still and silent. 

     May your retreat be fulfilling and enlightening.