Preparing for the Retreat


Preparing for the Retreat

These guidelines will help to create a safe, supportive and encouraging space for all attending the retreat. 

We will be asking you to attend the entire retreat and to establish yourself in the conditions of calmness, silence and integrity with which you would approach any retreat at Amaravati.

Meditation Space: We encourage you to create a Meditative Space at home for yourself, a quiet place where you can practise with no interruptions. We recommend that, to the best of your ability, you clear the space of work-related materials, bills, letters or any other items that may cause a distraction. If you have a meditation cushion, mat or chair, please make these part of your meditative space. 

If you live with others:  Let them know that you will be doing a meditation retreat and respectfully ask them to avoid interrupting you during this period.  
If somebody else in your household is intending to join you on the retreat we ask him/her to also register for the retreat and to take part in the entire retreat. 

Please turn off all electronic and mobile devices: This means all those other than the one you are using to join us online. We suggest that you tell your family and friends that you will not be using any social media during this time. If you need to communicate using any electronic devices, please regard this as you would regard speaking at a retreat held at Amaravati and do so only if it is really necessary.

Walking Meditation: Please choose a place to practise walking meditation indoors or outdoors prior to the time of the retreat so you have a place to go when those periods are scheduled.

Food and Meals: We advise you to have your food prepared for the weekend so that you do not have to worry about cooking any meals during this time.

Clock or Watch:Please have available an alarm clock or watch to support you in being on time for all the group sessions. 

Cancellations: If you change your plans and you are no longer able to join the retreat, please let us know as soon as possible.


Health Considerations

  • Please look after your health while participating in this online retreat, making sure that you eat well and take adequate sleep and rest. We encourage you to maintain your usual routine and strongly advise against making any unusual changes such as fasting or long night sits. In particular, please do continue with any prescribed medication you are currently taking.
  • As with any Amaravati retreat, please consider carefully whether you are well enough to attend on this occasion. If you are suffering from physical illness or any health issues which might affect your ability to participate fully, it may be wiser to cancel your place on the retreat and attend to your own wellbeing and recovery.
  • Similarly, if you are suffering from any mental health issues, please consider whether this will affect your ability to sit the retreat and whether a retreat environment might exacerbate the condition. In particular, please bear in mind that, although we can offer to have a talk with anyone experiencing some emotional issues, the Retreat Managers and Hosts cannot support an ongoing mental health crisis online. If this occurs you would need to seek professional advice and care where you are.
  • If, due to any physical or mental health condition, you realise that you are no longer able to attend the retreat, please let us know as soon as possible. However, we very much hope you remain well, and will be able to attend the retreat as planned!