Beyond Retreat

At the close of retreat, we will be departing from an immersive, beautiful, and potentially transformative adventure. Having practiced meditation so deeply, you will have learned how to weave the benefits of mindfulness into your everyday life.

After shared days of silently exploring our inner lives and connecting with each other, you may feel more sensitive than you are used to. This is quite normal and can feel surprising, important, unsettling, and beyond – a myriad of emotions. If you do find yourself feeling uncomfortably sensitive, please be gentle and patient with yourself and your immediate community. Know that in a day or two, you will likely feel more integrated and steady. Experiencing strong emotions? This can also be common after a retreat and often mellows out after a few days.

For loved ones to best support us, and to help integrate your practice into your day-to-day life, below are some general suggestions that may be helpful:

• The night you get back from retreat, try sitting for 10-20 minutes to help your mind, heart, and body adjust to your home life. We strongly recommend you continue to try meditating daily/regularly for 10-20 minutes. Even a few minutes a day can make a difference!
• Give yourself, if possible, 24 hours from the end of a retreat before engaging in any highly stimulating activities such as parties, social gatherings, loud music, or violent movies. Take what time you can to rest and to sleep.
• Follow your instincts as to what you truly want to be doing rather than going into auto-pilot mode. (Again, if possible.) Feeling the pull to be in nature or to be tech-free? Do what you can, as you can. What you feel compelled to do post-retreat is valuable information for your ongoing well-being.
• Going forward and when possible, take intentional time away from screens. Check in with yourself as you are using technology—take a beat to think about what you need to know and why you are looking at it.
• Keep the sense of community going! Your connection with fellow teens and staff after retreat provides ongoing friendship, care, and support. Feeling seen and heard on retreat can continue beyond retreat. Attend another Inward Bound retreat or explore what our community partners have to offer! Inward Bound online practice groups are available, or we invite you to start an Inward Bound practice group.

If you find yourself struggling any time after retreat, please don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected] so we may help with your post-retreat integration.

We’re so glad you attended an Inward Bound retreat and practiced mindfulness with us. May you be safe, happy, healthy, and at ease, and we hope to see you again!