6 Reflections from Meditation Retreat to Better Everyday Life

July 2024, Mountain View, CA

Have you ever questioned the need to 'get away' to find peace? I did. I was skeptical about the idea of “getting away” through a trip, the entire idea of “getting away” feels unfounded, since I believe in “living in the present”. To me, nowhere is better than where one already is to experience the life itself.

Because of that, I have not yet gone into mountains to do a yoga retreat, even though I’ve been practicing yoga and meditation on a regular basis for 7 years. However, thanks to my husband, I finally decided to give it a try with a 4-day retreat at the Expanding Light Retreat in Ananda Village, outside of the Nevada City, California.

It is in a beautiful mountain area with 250 residents and a retreat center for visitors like us. In July, the weather reached 100°F during the day, but we were fortunate enough hike some trails at dawn. There was almost no phone signal, and we lived in a small cabin - just big enough to fit 2 single beds and nightstands. The bathroom, shared with tenants in other cabins, was 80 feet uphill.

Here’s what I learned from this trip:

• Breaking the Routine: Going to somewhere without phone signal and breaking daily pattern is incredibly helpful in realizing what is screaming for my attention. It clarified what in my life needs focus and what actions will give me the highest ROIs when I return.

• Embracing Simplicity: The experience reminded me of how little is needed to live a good life. Our cabin was about 10 square feet without direct access to a bathroom. It feels ridiculously crowded in the beginning, but by day three, it feels luxuriously comfortable. It is a great reality check and gratitude renewal for the materials I already have.

• Appreciate small things: I began to appreciate small things often overlooked in daily life. I took a paper cup from breakfast and used it as my toothbrush cup for 4 days. It was perfect for the job. As Patanjali's "Yoga Sutras” teaches, non-wasting and non possessiveness prepares one’s mind for yoga.

• Meditation techniques: I learned various new meditation techniques including sitting posture (always with the purpose of maintaining a relaxed body and upward spine), “Hong-Sau” style meditation and the gaze throughout meditation. Peace is on the other side of the tunnel, when one one push through the discomfort in meditation.

• The power of food: Vegetarian food is delicious. I tasted new flavors, umami, different texture. I learned that the flavor of food is not only about the food itself but also about the mental state of the beholder.

• The power of music: I’ve been a music lover long time but it’s the first time I realized music’s power in religion and spiritual setting. When the small choir started singing the prayer and the audience join in, I felt we were all so close to the higher being(s) - whatever name(s) you call him.

Final Reflection

Peace, I discovered, is on the other side of discomfort, waiting for those willing to push through. Have you ever experienced a retreat or getaway that shifted your perspective on life? I'd love to hear your stories in the comments!