By Jill Boone

New Years Online Retreat December 29, 2020 – January 2, 2021
More information at the Aloka Vihara website.

I was skeptical at first – doing a meditation retreat at home instead of within the embrace of a retreat center seemed counter-intuitive to a mind that loves distraction. But I decided to give it a try in June. 

Since I didn’t have to travel, I was able to choose a short retreat led by the nuns from Aloka Vihara. I would not have driven to California for such a short retreat and without that drive, I went into the retreat fully rested. I set up a space in my house where I could sit and also have my computer, hired a dog walker and made a big pot of soup. 

I discovered that I love doing retreats at home because I can totally relax and make it my own. Yes, there were distractions but I noticed them within the context of my life and I was able to save cleaning my bathroom, which suddenly really needed a good scrub, to the time I designated for yogi jobs. My house has great indoor air quality and I was not struck by the urge to cough just as everyone settled in the retreat hall. And I loved the combination of teachings online and sittings and walking scheduled on my own. Coming off retreat, it was an easeful transition: I didn’t need to travel home, my home was sparkly clean, and I was more aware of distractions in my home environment. 

Since that retreat I have done others and now my dog vacations at my daughters when I do a retreat, which creates an even more peaceful environment and signals my brain that something has changed. I’ve found that I am able to sit with teachers who normally are not available to me because of distance, cost, or timing. 

It’s as if the whole Dharma world is suddenly available at my couch. The nuns from the Aloka Vihara, who are my primary teachers, are offering another retreat over the New Year’s weekend and I’ll be there or rather here, sitting with people from all over the world and bringing in the new year with wholesome intention. 

New Years Online Retreat taught by the nuns of Aloka Vihara Forest Monastery
December 29, 2020 – January 2, 2021

More information at the Aloka Vihara website.