20. The Power of Silent Meditation Retreats: Why I keep coming back

In this episode, I share my experience and insights about attending silent meditation retreats at the Insight Meditation Society (IMS) in Western Massachusetts, as I prepare for my third retreat.

We explore how these retreats, while challenging, have profoundly impacted my life, work, and family. I discuss:

• The reality of silent retreats versus the common perception of them being "nice and peaceful"
• How the first few days often involve "plotting your escape" before reaching a turning point
• My journey from being forced to attend my first retreat as part of a graduate certificate to voluntarily returning for more
• The experience of disconnecting from technology and the unexpected freedom that comes with it
• How these retreats helped birth The School of MOM and deepened my understanding of mindfulness and self-compassion
• The profound insights gained about mothering ourselves, especially for those without healthy mother models
• The concept of fierce self-compassion versus tender self-compassion, and how retreats helped me discover and embody both
• Why longer, dedicated practice time creates deeper insights than short daily meditation sessions
• The importance of prioritizing ourselves, even (and especially) when it feels inconvenient

A key takeaway: While shorter meditation sessions are valuable, extended periods of practice can provide a "full charge" to our system, creating lasting positive effects that ripple through our lives for months to come.

I also share a lighthearted moment involving a cherry tomato incident in the silent dining hall, reminding us that even in serious practice, there's room for humor.

Stay tuned for insights from this upcoming retreat in future episodes!

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Thank you for tuning in to this episode of "Mothering Ourselves Mindfully." We look forward to sharing more insights and inspiration in the upcoming episodes!

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