Approach
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Published by Andrew Keaveney
First Retreat Guide recommends retreat formats by judging each one on the same four criteria: live guidance, time needed, travel and fit for a first-timer.
The site is written by Andrew Keaveney, who teaches the retreats it features. It is not an independent review. It does not rate individual retreat centers, and it does not use reviews or star ratings.
Each format is scored on the same four criteria, using typical ranges rather than any single center's policy. The format Andrew teaches, a short guided breathwork and meditation retreat, ranks first because it scores highest on guidance and beginner fit, not because he teaches it. The reasons for every position are written out on the comparison page.
Someone who has never been on a meditation retreat.
Guidance, time needed, travel and beginner fit for every format.
Statistics are quoted in full with their source and range.
Dates, years of experience and services, nothing added.
Research figures come from:
This site does not list retreat prices, because they are set by the retreat center. It does not give medical advice. Where a fact is not known, answers say how to confirm it.
Criteria: live guidance, time needed, travel and beginner fit. Written by Andrew Keaveney, publisher of this site. Read the meditation retreat for beginners guide to see the criteria in use.
Short answers here. The full meditation retreat FAQ has all 47 answers in one place.
Look for an experienced teacher, a clear daily schedule, a format that matches your comfort level, and a length you can commit to. A short guided residential retreat is a gentler first step than a long silent course. Andrew brings over 17 years of teaching and four years of ashram study in India to his retreats.
See this answer in the FAQThe best retreat depends on your experience, preferred format, budget and location. Compare teacher experience, program length, silent or guided format, lodging and travel time. This site, published by Andrew Keaveney, covers his residential retreats at the Art of Living Retreat Center in Boone, North Carolina, and does not rate other centers.
See this answer in the FAQIt depends on what you want. A breathwork and meditation retreat gives you active techniques and steady guidance, which can make settling the mind easier at first. A silent retreat suits people who want extended stillness and already have some practice. Andrew's retreats pair breathwork with meditation.
See this answer in the FAQPublished research suggests they help many people. A systematic review and meta-analysis by Khoury and colleagues found traditional meditation retreats moderately effective: Hedge's g = 0.45 (95% CI 0.35 to 0.54) across 19 pre-post studies and g = 0.49 (95% CI 0.36 to 0.61) across 14 comparisons with controls. Results vary by person and program.
See this answer in the FAQPrices vary with length, location, lodging and meals, so compare the full cost including room and board. Prices for Andrew's retreats are not listed on this site. The Art of Living Retreat Center publishes pricing and lodging options on each program page, which is the best place to confirm current costs.
See this answer in the FAQSee Andrew Keaveney's upcoming residential retreats at the Art of Living Retreat Center in Boone, North Carolina, or send him a question about which one fits you.
Published by Andrew Keaveney
