During the summer months, the warm days invite us to get outdoors and enjoy the world around us. It’s also a wonderful time to deepen your meditation practice — whether by attending a retreat or simply creating one at home.
A home retreat can be surprisingly enriching. Disconnect the TV, silence the phone, set up a comfortable meditation space, and commit to two or three days of intentional practice. It’s affordable, requires no packing, and can be genuinely restorative.
That said, don’t rule out attending a retreat at one of the many retreat centers around the world. They are often more affordable than you might expect. A simple search for “meditation retreats near me” or “meditation retreats [your state]” will surface a variety of options — from secular mindfulness programs to yoga-focused weekends to contemplative Christian retreats that have embraced meditation as part of their practice.
Expanding your search terms can open up even more options. Try “meditation retreat centers,” “vipassana retreats,” or “silent retreats” to find different styles and traditions. Many retreat centers offer sliding-scale pricing or work-exchange programs that make attendance accessible.
If you do attend a retreat, you may want to bring your own meditation cushions or a gentle meditation timer — especially if the retreat center’s cushions aren’t quite right for your body.
I hope you find an enriching retreat near you this summer. Take advantage of the season and continue your practice.
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