There are thousands of different types of meditation retreat depending on the religion, philosophy or school of thought you follow, so no matter who you are you can benefit from the healing practice of meditation.
Silent Meditation
Silent, seated meditation is the style that usually springs to mind when thinking about meditation retreats and is a common practice that is enjoyed all over the world. Vipassana, a structured 10-day meditation retreat, is a firm favourite among those seeking inner clarity and peace. This style involves spending around 10-11 hours a day in seated meditation with the length and intensity of the programme having been designed to really help participants make the most of the practice.
Dynamic Meditation
Dynamic meditation is a style created by Osho in which participants use structured movement and actions to break through limiting beliefs and patterns. Osho asks that you remain a witness to the practice throughout, experiencing alertness and awareness during the journey and ending with both peace and celebration. Most dynamic meditation retreats guide you through the same morning ritual every day so that it becomes a regular habit for healing.
Mantra Meditation
Mantra meditations use phrases or affirmations that are repeated throughout the practice, drawing your focus to the set manta and therefore releasing all other distractions. Mantras may include Sanskrit terminology or specific words and phrases chosen by your teacher, such as in the practice of Transcendental Meditation (TM). This form of meditation could also be practiced using singing such as during a Kirtan ceremony.
Qi Gong Retreats
Qi Gong is another moving meditation that helps you cultivate and control your life force through the use of intentional and conscious movement. This practice uses fluid hand and body movement to guide your chi around your body, creating calm and balance throughout.
Kundalini Meditation
Kundalini is a form of yoga that incorporates seated meditation and movement to unlock your divine energy and channel it through your body. The meditation focuses on uncoiling the metaphorical snake that sits at the base of your spine (around your root chakra) releasing it to raise your vibrational frequency, heighten your senses and encounter a state of bliss.
Religious Meditation
Each religion has its own form of meditation, be that prayer in the Christian sense, Taoist meditations which connect the mind, body and breath or Vedic/Hindu meditation, among others. These retreats allow you to centre and ground in a personal sense, while also connecting with the teachings and scriptures of your chosen religion.