“Everyone thinks of changing the world,
but no one thinks of changing himself.”
Leo Tolstoy
About the Meditation Practice Kickstart
Many people have been exposed to meditation or are interested in it, but never quite manage to establish a regular practice. Apps, YouTube and books can offer useful guidance, but they don’t necessarily respond to our particular experience and circumstances, or give us enough grip to really take ownership of our practice. This retreat offers a chance to step away for a short two-night retreat, slow down, and really dive in.
We’ll explore how to establish a regular practice, how to structure a session, and how meditation can help us investigate our experience — our habitual patterns, our reactions, and the way we relate to ourselves, to other people and to the world around us (and the impacts we have). A teacher can guide and point towards the path, but ultimately the investigation is our own.
We’ll explore fundamental meditation techniques, the ideas and philosophy behind them, and how to practice them. There is a structure to the retreat, but also time to reflect, experiment and be alone, without the usual commitments and responsibilities — simply making the most of this time you have set aside for yourself.
This is not a silent retreat, though we will make room for silence and stillness. It is not a course in Buddhism, although Buddhist philosophy will be part of what we explore. And it is not a holiday, though there will be time to step away from your ordinary routine, wind down and rest. The hope is that you return home feeling refreshed, with more clarity, and with the beginnings of a practice you can continue.
Guidance and Time to Practice
Across two nights in our garden studio, a short retreat schedule brings together private one-to-one lessons, guided meditation sessions, open conversations, and plenty of uninterrupted time on your own to digest, reflect and practice what we’ve talked about.
You’ll have your own private studio and bathroom, with meals and everything else covered, so you can be free to focus on your meditation practice.
Before the retreat, we’ll have a short video call to get to know each other, talk about your experience, what you would like to explore, the retreat schedule and all the details. After the retreat, we can offer continued support online to help you establish and maintain your practice.
The retreat is designed for two nights, with one complete day of study and practice. We can extend the retreat by one or two days of independent practice or guided meditation.
The intention is to leave with a clearer sense of what meditation practice is about, how to make it personal, and how to bring it into our daily lives.
What You Can Take Home
- A real experience of meditation — getting a taste of what it is about on the experiential level.
- An exploration of several basic techniques — to see what works for you.
- An understanding of some of the philosophy and psychology behind the practice.
- Maybe a glimpse into yourself — seeing some of your habitual patterns and where there might be room to work.
- An idea of a simple practice structure that you can continue to cultivate at home.
Retreat Details
Duration: Two nights, with the option to add an additional day for guided or independent practice.
Location: Our independent garden studio in the Sicilian countryside, between Catania and Siracusa.
Includes: Personal lessons, guided meditation sessions, and time to practice.
