Silent Meditation Retreats are fixed-length getaways that are centred around stilling the mind and deepening your connection with the self through silent meditation and the removal of words and distractions. Most retreats include two meals a day, long periods of seated meditation (also known as Vipassana), sessions of Karmic Yoga and occasionally lectures on Buddha’s central teachings including the Four Noble Truths and Noble Eightfold Path.
During these retreats, guests are asked not to make eye contact with other members, not to listen to any music or podcasts, not to speak and not to write. No form of communication is key so that you are able to go deep within and communicate your true desires.
On the whole, silent retreats are not aimed at being luxury breaks. It is by working through the discomfort of silence and stillness that you are able to break down the voice of your ego and hear your inner self more loudly.
More extreme Vipassana retreats may include sleeping on concrete beds with wooden pillows, but you’ll be happy to hear that there are a huge variety of silent meditation retreats available to cater to all levels. So, if you’re just starting out and want a few creature comforts to help settle you in then you’re sure to be able to find a trip for you too.