Don't Go on a Retreat Without Knowing These Things!
- Hieu Ngan Le Tran
- Apr 16
- 3 min read
You’ve booked the retreat you’ve been dreaming of for so long – a peaceful escape in the forest, far from the hustle of the city. But now you’re wondering: What exactly is a retreat for? Is it just about lying around doing nothing? Or should you meditate, do yoga, and detox as much as possible?
Retreat doesn’t have a “one-size-fits-all” approach. But to make your time really meaningful, there are a few small things you can prepare for, both mentally and in your packing.
Things to bring – and a few things to leave behind
Bring:
A blank notebook to jot down random thoughts (or just to show you’re chilling)
The book you’ve had for ages but never got past page 10
Clothes so loose, you’ll never want to stand up once you sit down
Headphones + a playlist as soft as the last rays of the sun
A mind that’s ready... to do absolutely nothing
Leave at home:
"I’ll just squeeze in a bit of work."
The deadline that "needs urgent approval" (wait, aren’t you on vacation?)
The thought “Will this photo look good on my feed?”
Anything that makes you compare yourself to others
The pressure to feel healed immediately
1. Start by resting your mind
A lot of people go on retreat but still get stuck in a busy mindset. The good news is you don’t have to force yourself to “chill” right from the start. A few small actions can help:
Turn off phone notifications – at least for a few hours a day
Sit quietly and watch the trees and sky – just feel the space around you
Write down a few thoughts every morning to see where you are in your journey
The goal is to let your mind land slowly and naturally.
2. Listen to your body and do what feels right
Retreat isn’t a place to “chase deadlines while healing.” If you feel tired, rest. If you have energy, go out and move around.
You might want to try:
Meditating for 5–10 minutes each morning
Going for a walk or paddling in the middle of nature
Joining a light art activity like painting, clay modeling, or pottery
Simply lying back, listening to music, and breathing
There’s no right or wrong – just do what feels right for you at that moment.
3. Be silent to feel more
Retreat is about spending time with yourself, so don’t feel pressured to “socialize” or “network” all day. Sometimes, silence is what helps you connect more deeply:
Ask yourself, “How do I feel today?”
Observe your surroundings – feel the earth, listen to the leaves, or watch the insects moving around.
You can be with others without saying a word. Just sitting together is a way of connecting too.
Silence isn’t loneliness; it’s a way of truly being present in the moment.
4. Eat slowly, live lightly
When you're on a retreat, meals aren’t just about "fueling up"; they’re an experience of relaxation. Instead of rushing through meals because you’re “not done with work,” try:
Eating in a quiet place, with no screens in sight
Savoring every bite, feeling the flavors – whether it's a piece of cake or a hot cup of tea
Eating slowly and noticing when your body feels full
And don’t forget to stop when you’re satisfied – it’s not about finishing everything on the plate
We eat to live, not live to eat!
5. Enjoy the simple moments
Not every moment in a retreat needs to be “deep” or “memorable.”
Sometimes, the value lies in the smallest things: A beam of sunlight streaming through the trees, a hot cup of tea in the afternoon rain, or simply sitting still and doing nothing – these might be the things you’ll carry with you long after the trip.
And if you’re not sure where to start…
Nomia Garden Retreats could be the perfect place for your slow journey. Here, you don’t need to do anything to feel at peace – just be present, breathe, and let nature take care of the rest. A quiet garden in the heart of the forest, sunlit corners to relax in, gentle activities, and light meals; everything is designed to help you reconnect with what matters most: yourself.
So, what are you waiting for?
