Should I do a meditation retreat? I remember that my first one was life transforming but it’s difficult to find 10 days free of anything else to meditate.

I believe that life is short, and when it comes to joy and inner peace, you have to create time. We always manage to find time when we have to. Ask yourself “If a loved one was very ill and needed my care, would I find a way to take those ten days to care for them?”

If the answer is yes, then I challenge you to love yourself that deeply and make that time for you as well.

Best of luck!

It depends on what your goal is, I would say. If you’re seeing it as a “quick fix” to reestablish a personal meditation practice, I would not say it’s your answer. However, if you’re already meditating and seeking an opportunity for a deeper, more impactful experience then I would say the sacrifice of time, money, etc may be worth it.

You don’t need to go big right away. Start where you are with what you have and build from there. If you feel like you’ve plateaued in your meditative efforts, feel free to take the leap.

Meditation retreat sounds great but I see what you mean. Maybe take a really relaxing holiday and make a point of doing X hours or meditation a day?

I think you have answered your own question here. You have said that a meditation retreat in the past has been transformational and that these days you find it hard to make time for yourself. It seems to me that you might have too much going on in your life and you may need to remove or replace some of the things which are consuming your time and keeping you from doing the things you want to do. A meditation retreat might be exactly what you need to reflect and transform your life so that you have flexibility to do the things you want because tomorrow might never come

If it's difficult to clear your schedule, then keep it on the docket for later and look for ways to improve your practice now. Some ideas: add time or another session to your daily practice, focus on improving your breath control and posture, or try finding yourself in places that would typically distract you. It's empowering to experience the fullness of connecting to the now for two weeks but little steps are just as transformative in the long run. Have a good day, person who reminds me of Ezra Klein! — Mark B

You need time to set aside for yourself to reflect, contemplate, let go and make the changes in your life more permanent. I can relate to not having time or being afraid you’re going to have too many days missed from work, but I’ve learned that it’s better to do what you want to do every once in awhile especially if it’s for your well being. I’m sure if you explain to your boss or whom ever they will be understanding. If not maybe just go for the amount of days they will allow you. Don’t over think it.

Having only ever done one retreat myself I might not be the best judge.
I would however say if you are thinking about it on