This is what actually happens on a silent meditation retreat – and it might terrify you

A A week in silence can seem like a dream to anyone exhausted by the constant stimulation of modern life. But the reality of a silent retreat can be far from what one might imagine.

Beyond the immediate peace, you find yourself distraction-free – with no escape. As you sit in meditation day after day, thoughts and feelings (physical and emotional) that might normally go unnoticed or even pushed aside suddenly have a chance to rise to the surface.

With nowhere to run, you have no choice but to face them head on. A challenge that could frighten many – but which could ultimately prove beneficial. Many people find that this particular form of sensory deprivation provides a transformative experience that moves them so much that they want more.

“Engaging in prolonged periods of silence has been one of my most profound experiences,” says Dr. Aimon Kopera, a pioneering authority on exploratory medicine and author of The exploring mind: rewiring sensitivity.

“Silent meditation allows the body and mind to rest and reset, promoting a deeper connection with ourselves and enhancing self-awareness and insight. This is a restorative process that involves not only quieting external noise, but also silencing internal chatter. This leads to a state of mental clarity and physical healing that can be profoundly rejuvenating.

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But this is by no means an ordinary getaway. This can be difficult. After all, when was the last time you sat for an extended period of total silence, if ever? They are suitable for most people, however, with the caveat of people with psychiatric conditions or physical pain that would prevent them from sitting all day.

In the case of the world-renowned Dhamma retreat, held in Herefordshire in the UK but with centres all over the world, you will need to be prepared to sit in Vipassana – one of India’s oldest meditation techniques – from 4am until 9pm each day.

Besides aches and pains, it can present unique challenges, including the phenomenon known as “monkey mind,” where thoughts endlessly jump from one to another, Kopera says.

“Sometimes this leads to the resurgence of emotional turmoil, but if managed correctly, it can be a healing process. I have even observed patients with chronic illnesses and life-threatening conditions benefitting positively from this practice.”

While you can attend classes that put you into full monk mode, like Dhamma retreats, there are luxury options that offer a gentler experience. Deep meditation at Aleenta Retreat Chiang Mai in northern Thailand is based on the same Buddhist practice of Vipassana as the Dhamma classes. But here, the approach is personalized to meet your needs and experience level over three, five or seven days at a five-star resort in Thailand’s spiritual heart. While the “light” option creates an accessible path to the transformative power of mindfulness, the second offers a more rigorous training of the mind and includes meditation practice at the nearby Wat Ram Peong temple.

A silent retreat closer to vacation may seem more appealing, but the stripped-down and quite exhausting 10-day Dhamma Vipassana meditation remains an incredibly popular choice. Not only do participants commonly describe these residential courses as “life-changing,” but they also operate on a “pay what you can afford” system. If you’re really in dire straits, you don’t even have to cover the cost of food and accommodation. Unsurprisingly, you should register quickly when dates are released to guarantee a place.

The benefits that can be gained from time spent in silent meditation are more than anecdotal. Studies have shown that Vipassana, used as a spiritual and healing modality for over 5,000 years, has the potential to reduce stress, anxiety and depression. Research exploring the effects of a seven-day Zen meditation retreat also found that meditators had increased focus after the course and improved neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to adapt and develop new pathways).

But how does this translate into real life? Shannon Brown, co-founder of wellness retreat space CAIM in Scotland, signed up for the 10-day Dhamma Dipa Vipassana meditation course in Herefordshire after being drawn to it for years.

“I practice yoga and meditation from time to time, so I haven’t done much to prepare. But after three days, I really wish I had,” Shannon says. “The first few days I struggled with irritation and had difficulty calming my mind. In fact, I almost gave up on several occasions because it was such a challenge to surrender to the experience.

“But by the fifth day, I started to feel rage building inside me. I’m normally a very calm and happy person, so this took me by surprise. It was so overwhelming that I wanted to turn the tables and scream.

It was almost too much for Shannon, as it is for many participants who brave the long haul, but through sheer willpower she was able to refocus and tackle the challenges she faced, alone.

“It was really hard. I participated in ayahuasca ceremonies in Peru and, surprisingly, it was just as intense,” recalls Shannon.

“But once I was able to overcome the emotional and physical discomfort I had felt, I felt amazing. The fifth day was the hardest of all, but by the sixth day I felt happy despite the challenge. It was almost as if the settled sludge I had at the bottom of my foundation had been stirred up and released. I gained such a beautiful sense of clarity, peace and gratitude.

You don’t have to be Buddhist to participate in a silent retreat. And you don’t have to opt for long or pared-down classes right away (or ever) to quiet your mind and refocus your energy on harmony and happiness—which is really the ultimate goal. But to get the most out of this new-but-old trend, you have to be willing to breathe, dissolve your rigid thought patterns, and meet yourself. To confront your innermost thoughts. To move through anger, sadness, and negativity, and finally find liberation on the other side.

How to do

Aléenta

The retreat starts from 17,000 THB per night (£380) for single occupancy and 25,000 THB per night (£560) for double occupancy and includes accommodation, airport transfers, two daily meditation sessions, up to two movement classes per day, “wellness cuisine”, integrated health diagnosis and a spa treatment for each night of the reservation. Aleenta.com

Dhamma

Dhamma classes are held all over the world and operate on a “pay what you can” system. In the UK you can visit Dhamma Dipa, an 11-acre property set in rolling farmland between Hereford and Ross-on-Wye. Accommodation is shared and food is included. Returning students who wish to try the long course (20 days) can visit Dhamma Padhana, in Herefordshire, where each student lives and meditates separately in individual en-suite accommodation and a small private meditation room. There are also two-day courses for children (8 to 11 years old) and adolescents (12 to 18 years old).

Learn more: A weekend at this Bucharest wellness retreat costs the same as a day pass to a London spa