Meditation retreats are an excellent source of relaxation. You may think it’s not for you if you are a beginner, but many of them are designed for those just starting in addition to others who are experienced. In fact, there are plenty of benefits that come with going on a meditation retreat.
Here are five reasons you should go on a meditation retreat:
- Get a Technology Detox
- Meet New People
- Mentally and Physically Cleanse the Body
- Get the Healing You Need
- Return to Normal Life with a New Outlook
You may be wondering several things about meditation retreats. What can you do during the retreat? Is it affordable? Where can you attend a retreat? Don’t stress, because we’ll be covering several of these topics to help you along your journey.
Article Contents
How Much Does a Meditation Retreat Cost?
Meditation retreats can range from relatively inexpensive to pricey. There are some places that offer weekend retreats for less than $100 a weekend, not including accommodations and meals. Some have special retreats that can extend into the thousands but also come highly recommended.
Retreats in other countries will be priced the same, but consider plane and travel accommodations. If cost is a factor, it may be ideal to look into retreats near your location. That will help reduce travel expenses.
Several retreats will also offer scholarships for those who can’t afford the total cost. When looking for a retreat, make sure you see what all is covered under the initial cost. A significant number of scholarships apply to the following people:
- Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC)
- Youth (which covers from 18-26 year olds)
- Elderly (65+)
- Those with life-threatening or debilitating medical conditions
What Do You Do on a Meditation Retreat?
There are several things you can do at a meditation retreat. To those looking for a temporary break from life or wanting to learn more self-help skills to use, there is something for everyone’s needs:
- Sitting for long periods, freeing your mind, and relaxing. These meditation sessions will most likely be guided by a professional. So no worries if you are a beginner!
- Some retreats may offer amenities such as mineral baths and other spa treatments designed to induce relaxation.
- Nature walks are also encouraged. Connecting to nature can help the process of relaxing and discovering your inner self and bringing you closer to spiritual enlightenment. Nature meditation is so good for everyone!
- Group meals to encourage people to connect with one another. Electronic use is generally discouraged during these times.
- Many will offer spiritual rituals around specific times, such as the summer or winter solstice.
- You will connect with yourself and your mind on a deeper level with meditation. This renews you for when you return to the everyday stresses of life.
- You may also be instructed to do yoga. This can help physical illnesses, from arthritis to heart health. Don’t be afraid to try if you are new. People at the retreat are there for the same things as you!
As you can see, there are plenty of things to do and many benefits to doing a meditation retreat. If you are a newbie, don’t be afraid to go and get your feet wet. The guides are there to help you along your path. The attendees want the same things as you, and together, you’ll be able to overcome any fears.
If you don’t have the time or resources to physically go on a meditation retreat, there are some online meditation groups that do online meditation retreats that you could go on for the same experience!
Where Can I Go on a Meditation Retreat?
Just about every state in the country will have some sort of meditation retreat available, especially in areas deep in nature, such as the mountains or near beaches. Top meditation retreats in the US include:
- Alaska Still Point Lodge: This is the most expensive but highly rated retreat for outdoor lovers. There are 3-5 day options from $7260-$12,100. (Halibut Cove, AK)
- Rolling Meadows: Silent retreats are four days with a cost of $975. (Brooks, ME)
- Zen Den Yoga School: They offer 3-30 night retreats, with prices starting at $700 for a shared room. (Boca Raton, FL)
Nearly every country will have at least one affordable meditation retreat. However, some countries are known for their meditation retreats—the biggest one being India, with retreats that last from as little as a few days up to a month:
- ReDiscover Thyself: Retreats last from 3-30 days. Prices vary from $13/day to $120/day.
- Outdoor Yoga Retreat: It goes from 5-10 days and costs $199-$1099 for the entire trip.
- Rome’s Wellness Waynroots: Has 4-29 day options and costs between $199-$1899.
In the age of COVID, a significant number of meditation retreats are also offering virtual options. It may not feel the same as being in person, but you might find that you like the online portion enough to spend the money and find an in-person place that resonates with you next time.
- Jeff Warren: Warren helped write the book “Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics” and is a meditation instructor. He offers free meditation every Sunday on YouTube from 8 pm EST for four hours.
- IMS Online: Mini-online retreats that range from $35-$75 and may offer no-fee enrollment.
5 Reasons Why You Should Go on a Meditation Retreat
There are many reasons that a person should go on a meditation retreat, from self-discovery to refreshing the mind and body; the following five reasons are related to the many benefits that come from going on a retreat:
Get a Technology Detox
With so much of our lives depending on technology today, it’s no surprise that many people find themselves addicted to it. In fact, research shows roughly 6% of the world suffers from this ailment.
On top of that, social media can increase risks for anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems; seeing everyone’s lives online can cause feelings of insecurity, inadequacy, and resentment, with some people developing a fear of missing out on events, social connections, and more.
An easy solution to overcome this? A complete technology detox, which is one of the things a meditation retreat provides. Retreats force you to disconnect and go off-grid for the duration of the time you’re there so you can truly focus on relaxing while avoiding the stress that may come with technology or social media.
Additionally, going off-grid will allow you to connect with real human beings rather than people online.
Meet New People
This goes hand in hand with the last section. Sure, you can meet people online, through mutual friends, or in the workplace who may like the same things as you to form friendships, but you can create even deeper relationships with those you meet at a meditation retreat.
Think about it: people going to the meditation retreat will likely be participating for the same reasons you are. You may vent about things going on in the real world, and because you’re sharing these details with strangers, you can let all your frustrations out without feeling embarrassed or ashamed—they’re all going through the same things you are.
You could also eventually become a support system for one another on your journey to finding yourself and peace. You might even find that you come out of the meditation retreat with some new, life-long friends.
Mentally and Physically Cleanse the Body
Meditation retreats are also an excellent way to cleanse yourself and reset, both physically and mentally.
Many meditation retreats will provide well-balanced meals—made from organic ingredients—that allow your body to absorb essential nutrients, in addition to juices designed to help the body cleanse or detox. The meals will often be free of overly processed sugars, which means you won’t feel overly full or sluggish after eating.
Note: Some retreats push a starvation diet, but this is not recommended. With that said, you’ll want to research the retreat and double-check their meal plans before signing up.
Beyond food, meditation retreats have you participate in regular yoga and meditation classes for a mental and spiritual cleanse. Channeling your inner piece can help you forget the world, even if just for a moment; this can give your mind a chance to stop overthinking, leaving room for peace and calm to prevail.
Get the Healing You Need
Believe it or not, meditation truly helps you heal, and contributes to better health in many ways. Many doctors today recommend meditation and yoga to help overcome or improve mental and physical ailments. In fact, meditation is “prescribed” to people in conjunction with Western medicine to get the full benefits of their treatment.
Why? The body heals better from physical issues when you don’t have a ton of stress on your shoulders. By learning to let go of all the negativity, your body will be able to work and repair itself much better. Also, people with a positive outlook are less likely to suffer from cardiovascular diseases, so meditation can offer preventative benefits as well.
As far as mental health goes, meditation retreats and the guides there teach you how to dig down and tackle the traumas that have developed over your lifetime head-on so you can eventually learn to move on from these experiences with a healthier mindset.
Of course, the healing process won’t be instantaneous, but you’ll at least learn valuable lessons in how to manage traumatic experiences and keep stress to a minimum.
Return to Normal Life with a New Outlook
A meditation retreat will teach you not just about yourself but also about life in general. Once you fight your own inner turmoil, you’ll be in a better headspace. Empathy is one of those things you’ll truly develop. This will give you insight into the struggles of others.
With your new positive outlook, spiritual connections, and learned skills, you’ll view things from a significantly different lens. Instead of letting other people’s foul moods sour your own, you’ll be able to understand where they are coming from. Even if you can’t change their attitude or help them, you’ll have the ability to brush things off and carry on with yourself.
World views can change significantly during this process. Strife and despair are rampant in this world, but you will be given a gift to find happiness in yourself. You’ll be more attuned to Mother Nature and the state of our world.
Meditation retreats can be eye-opening and, while scary at times, they are incredibly enlightening!
Final Thoughts
If you feel overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, or are suffering from a physical ailment, you may find that a meditation retreat is exactly what you need! You will learn so much about yourself in the process, get in touch with your spiritual side, and forge friendships that will last beyond the retreat.
Even if you aren’t suffering, if you want a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you or stronger connections to your spirituality, a meditation retreat may help. They aren’t just for people in crisis; they are for everyone and anyone that would like to improve their lives as much as possible.
