I would recommend doing some research on the retreat and the type of meditation taught, as there are some that may feel too 'religious'.  In my own personal experience, I have found insight meditation (Vipassana) to be the most appealing, as it does not involve worshipping a guru or praying... *all that stuff that may feel a little too religious.

 

I learned from experience because one of my earliest retreats ended up being VERY religous- praying to many saints and sages etc... and not at all what I wanted or felt that I needed.

 

Anyways...a good learning experience. 

 

Check out Insight Meditation Society in Barre, MA :  http://dharma.org/ims/

I went on a 7 day retreat in June and it was amazing.

 

A sister center is Spirit Rock in Woodacre, CA: http://www.spiritrock.org/

 

OR you can check out http://www.dhamma.org/  which offers 10-day retreats by donation.  I have not personally attended one of these retreats, but my understanding is that they are a little more structured (aka 'militant') than the other ones I mentioned. 

 

Good luck!

Tammy

 

http://www.sitstill.ca

 

 

I host meditation retreats at 8,000 feet about Boulder, Colorado. The retreat is held in a 1,200 sq. foot log cabin off grid and solar powered. You go in alone, are assisted in the process, and come out transformed.

 

If you are serious about, transforming your body at a biochemical level. That is, to modify your metabolism and change the chemical make-up of your body at the cellular level -- a retreat is appropriate.

 

Plan for at least 7 days. If you can commit the time, 8 weeks is best. Modifying your hormones with intention is serious business and is best undertaken with a serious attitude. I provide guidance during your deconstruction process.

 

Or you can go to www.practicethepractice.com and learn about an introductory online course.

 

Eric

 

I agree that is good advice. Remember, true meditation is more than sitting quitely. Through the Practice of breathing and posture you are signaling the sympathetic nervous system to signal the parasympathetic to release natural morphines - endophins. Endorphins are the natural anti-dote to Cortisol.

 

You can learn more about The Practice to elicit these natural healing endorphins at www.practicethepractice.com

 

Being present...

 

Eric

 

Yes, it is amazing when we remember our true nature. We have this wonderful capacity to access our infinate nature. All we have to do is surrender our attachments to our bodies and remember.

 

check out www.practicethepractice.com to learn about lowering your metabolic rate and entering into deep states of knowing.

 

Being present...

 

Eric

 

Exactly, meditation has nothing to do with religion. Three years ago I accidentally entered into samhadi. (sorry, a religious term)  

 

At first, all I knew was that I didn't want to come back into this place of form. I later learned that by Practicing 2 hours every day I was dosing myself with natural endorphins. I was sedating myself with natural morphines. In this state I felt safe and went into a deep deep state of awarenes beyond understanding. There is no language to describe  the experience. When our consciousness becomes the observer beyond biochemical attachments(emotions) there is no language. We experience pure consciousness. Amazing.

 

If you want to learn more about this place, a place beyond understanding go to: www.practicethepractice.com

 

Being present... Practicing

 

Eric