Random Question about self retreat mode

[trusolo]

While looking for online resources, I came across various retreat centers and retreat descriptions. More importantly, typical daily retreat schedule. I’m sure many of you have attended such retreats so you already know the drill.. wake up at 5 AM etc... until lights out.

My question is has anyone tried to follow such a routine when you had holidays or on a weekend, just by yourself or maybe along with a partner? Does anyone keep a similar routine naturally pretty much everyday?
What in your experience has been the difference between a structured group setting and solo effort?

Thanks.

[justusryans]

No, I’ve never done that. It does look like a very good idea though. I have nothing else if not time, so I may set a date to do so.

My wife and I could start with a 3 day retreat. If that went well, we could extend it to a five day retreat.

Thank you, Trusolo what a great idea.



Mike

[philg]

While looking for online resources, I came across various retreat centers and retreat descriptions. More importantly, typical daily retreat schedule. I’m sure many of you have attended such retreats so you already know the drill.. wake up at 5 AM etc... until lights out.

My question is has anyone tried to follow such a routine when you had holidays or on a weekend, just by yourself or maybe along with a partner? Does anyone keep a similar routine naturally pretty much everyday?
What in your experience has been the difference between a structured group setting and solo effort?

Thanks.

Some of the people at the Buddhist centre I used to go to said that solo retreats were a good idea. They used a small caravan and a local shop would drop off supplies. I think they found it different to regular retreats but well worth while. As a teacher I used to get up early and do a half day retreat stretching over three or four weeks of the summer vacation. Our children had left home and my wife was a late riser, so I had a stretch of time I could do study retreats in. I would mix meditating with studying the Dhamma, and drinking coffee. Worked really well for me as I didn't like group retreats where they had long stretches of imposed silence. That always brought back memories of people not speaking because they had fallen out with you.

[trusolo]

@Mike I am glad you liked the idea. I have often toyed with this idea because it is somewhat unlikely that I will be able to go on a week or ten day retreat (at least the ones that I would have liked to go to). Currently, I am still teaching two classes a day so it is not possible but I was thinking of giving it a go in the summer.

@Phil Talking of schedules, I like your schedule. It has different activities in them and one can practice in different situation. For example, I prefer the amaravati schedule because it has time for hands-on work in between
http://https://www.amaravati.org/retreat-centre/coming-on-retreat/

In contrast to Ajahn Brahm’s retreats at BSWA, which are very heavy on meditation all the time.

http://https://bswa.org/our-locations/bswa-retreats-jhana-grove/jhanagrove-retreats-daily-schedule/

Of course in the end one has to create one’s own schedule but I am glad to hear that you have tried it successfully.
good to know.
Thanks.