The search for self-knowledge and the need to clear the mind and body of the stress experienced in big cities makes more and more people interested in participating in a spiritual retreat Kambo Practitioner.
There are those who reach this point after their body sends them an alarm signal, while for others it happens out of curiosity to experience something new in their lives. Whether these are the cases, or any other, the common point is getting away for a while from the noise of daily life to dedicate yourself to introspection in a calm environment.
This does not necessarily have to be done in a center dedicated to this practice, since a spiritual retreat can be done on your own by going to a place that meets the conditions of tranquility and committing to not be distracted by the use of technology or other types of entertainment.
But if you are reading this article, I suppose you are interested in knowing about options where you can receive teachings from specialized guides and participate in different practices aimed at your goal, and we will talk about this below.
What is the objective of spiritual retreats?
Before deciding to participate in a spiritual retreat, you have to be very clear about what your expectations are and why you want to do it so as not to be disappointed. If what you are looking for is just to rest for a while from work or the city, perhaps what you need is a vacation and not a spiritual retreat.
On the other hand, if the central focus is inner searching through meditation and contemplation , then this may be for you.
Spiritual retreat is generally associated with a religious practice, since it is a central habit in both Christianity and Buddhism , among others. But anyone can do it, and in fact, in many cases it is Buddhist monks who accompany the process, sharing their experience of a life dedicated to it.
Unlike the spiritual retreats practiced by Christianity, for example, in which the approach to God is sought through prayer, in the personal sphere what is attempted is the approach to oneself .
Not all spiritual retreats are the same, but some common characteristics are:
The meditation
Contact with nature
Talks with the guides
Spend time alone
Generally, silence and full awareness prevail when carrying out tasks (also known as “mindfulness”). The use of technology is usually limited or in cases prohibited, since it is considered an obstacle in spiritual development.
The practice of physical-spiritual disciplines such as yoga can also be part of a spiritual retreat.
Spiritual retreats do not have an established deadline , and can last from a couple of days to months, or as long as each person considers necessary.
Where you can do a spiritual retreat for free
The rise of spiritual retreats led to the commercialization of the experience. This led many places to offer “boutique” spiritual retreats aimed at an audience willing to pay for them.
But this is not the only option, since there are many free alternatives in which you can participate, either through voluntary donations or helping as a volunteer.
Vipassana: Buddhist Meditation Retreats
Have you already heard about Vipassana? It is a Buddhist community with more than 230 centers scattered around the world, where free meditation retreats are practiced and open to the public with the accompaniment of monks.
Before participating, it is very important that you take into account the rules of behavior , which can be very strict for those who are not prepared.
For example, during the ten days that the retreat lasts, it is mandatory to complete several daily meditation sessions, which can last up to two hours each. This can be very difficult to cope with, both physically and mentally, for those who are not used to it.
The use of cell phones, listening to music, reading, writing, doing physical exercise or any activity that distracts you from the meditative path is prohibited . As well as the interaction with other retreat participants, the moments to express oneself verbally being the individual talks with the teachers.
Logically, all types of “intoxicants” are also prohibited (drinking alcohol, smoking, etc.). The diet is 100% vegan (provided by the center) and cannot be eaten after midday.
I have met many people who participated in Vipassana retreats in different countries; For some, it was a hard process but from which they took away a transformative life experience , and after the first retreat they participated in several more. Others suffered from it from beginning to end.
In countries like Thailand , many tourists join without really knowing where they are going, simply because it sounds good to say that they did a Buddhist retreat on their trip through Asia, and that is where the frustrations come.
If you want to participate in a Vipassana retreat, you have to register through the dhamma.org website. There you will find all the necessary information.
Participate as a volunteer in a spiritual retreat center
If the option of doing a Vipassana retreat seemed too intensive to begin with, or it is not what you are looking for, you can also participate as a volunteer in more flexible centers where spiritual retreats are given .
On the work exchange platform (travel volunteering) Worldpackers there are many vacancies in different countries. By offering your help in different tasks that are necessary, you will have accommodation and meals included , as well as access to the classes that are taught.
In addition to knowing how spiritual retreats work and being part of them, volunteering is an excellent way to travel cheaply , since the main expenses will be covered . It will also allow you to meet many people , develop new skills and reach places that as a tourist would be unlikely.
I made a selection below of some of the spiritual retreats that accept volunteers in different parts of the world so that you have an idea of the options available. But first, you can learn more about how Worldpackers volunteering works by reading these articles:
Now that you know the possibility of volunteering at spiritual retreats around the world, let’s look at some examples.
To find out more available, you can search the Worldpackers website using filters such as ” Spiritual “, ” Yoga “, ” Meditation ” or ” Holistic Centers ” as there are many other types of hosts on the platform that you may also be interested in .
Gardening in a holistic center in Mexico
In Cuncunul, Mexico , the Rama Ashram welcomes those who want to participate in the construction of a new space dedicated to the teachings of Hinduism and yoga. The recommendations of other volunteers speak of the quality of people who run the space and the environment in which they live.
Experience in a Buddhist community in Brazil
Be part of the meditation center of the Kadampa Buddhist community , located in a natural environment on the outskirts of Sao Paulo (Brazil). The volunteers are in charge of organizing tasks, cleaning the space and helping in the kitchen. All meals are included, as well as participation in classes provided. It is an excellent opportunity to get closer to Buddhism by having constant contact with the teachers.
Spiritual retreat in a holistic center in Uruguay
Get to know the interior of Uruguay by living in the Auroras de las Sierras holistic center , an ecological project committed to environmental care . The tasks are mainly construction and gardening, which will give you experience to learn more about eco-construction and the use of bamboo.
Buddhist ecological and meditation center in the United States
Yoga classes, holistic therapies, guided meditations and more spiritual practices are what you can participate in by collaborating with the Diamond Mountain Buddhist Retreat Center , in Arizona, southern United States . Being in an extensive natural space , the tasks are trail maintenance, gardening, help on the farm and cleaning.
Contribute to a meditation center in Thailand
Would you like to spend some time living in a Thai meditation center ? Through your help in the daily tasks of the Insight Meditation Center (Dhutanga PunyaPanya) you can have this unique cultural immersion.
In addition to the reviews that travelers leave on the pages of each volunteer opportunity, here on our blog you can learn in more detail the experience of a volunteer who spent time in this place : Living with monks and volunteers in a meditation center in Thailand.
Are you ready to live a transformative experience on a spiritual retreat? Create a free profile in the Worldpackers community and start saving your favorite volunteer vacancies.