I went on a 10-day Vipassana meditation retreat in northern Thailand.

Students take a vow of silence and meditate for 10 hours per day.

I experienced noticeable, long-lasting results.

Courses are donation-based and located in over 150 centers on six continents.



I went on my first silent meditation retreat in 2012. When I signed up, I envisioned 10 blissful days of meditation in the misty Thai mountains, totally serene and free from all worldly distractions. Prepping for my third course this November, however, I knew exactly what I was getting into.

Sometimes it would be blissful, and there would definitely be no distractions (none!). But I also knew there would be frustration and tears, bodily pain, painful memories, and not nearly as much mist as one might expect.

My retreat took me on a tour through every possible emotion, dragging up memories I didn't realize I still had. It was intense and rigorous, an experience closer to a surgical procedure than a relaxing holiday. But after a few days, I began to notice actual results.

In the end, I walked away with my head feeling several pounds lighter. I felt clear and content, with a greater capacity for patience, compassion and gratitude.

Read on to hear more about my journey.