Preparation
How to prepare for your first meditation retreat
Last updated: November 2026Published by Andrew Keaveney
To prepare for your first meditation retreat, build a short daily practice two or three weeks ahead, pack for comfort and weather, and plan to be fully offline.
This checklist from First Retreat Guide, published by Andrew Keaveney, is written for people heading to a residential retreat such as Andrew’s programs at the Art of Living Retreat Center in Boone, North Carolina, where November mornings in the mountains can be cold.
On this page
How do I prepare for a meditation retreat?
- Three weeks out: start small. Sit for 10 minutes a day. Andrew’s “10 Minute Guided Mindfulness Meditation by the Lake” and “15 Minute Meditation to Help You Find Inner Peace” are easy starting points.
- Two weeks out: read the program page. Confirm the schedule, fees and room type on the Art of Living Retreat Center site.
- One week out: clear the decks. Set an out-of-office message and tell family how to reach the venue in an emergency.
- Travel day: arrive rested. Give yourself time to reach Boone without rushing.
- At the retreat: follow the schedule. You do not need to do anything perfectly. Show up to each session and rest in between.
- After: land gently. Keep a short daily practice going so the retreat becomes a habit.
What to pack for a mountain retreat
| Item | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Layered, loose clothing | You will sit for long periods; layers handle cool rooms and warm afternoons |
| Warm jacket, hat and socks | Boone is in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and November can be cold |
| Refillable water bottle | Breathwork and mountain air can be drying |
| Any medications | Bring enough for the full stay plus a day |
| Comfortable walking shoes | Free time is a good time to walk outdoors |
| A small notebook | Useful if the program allows journaling between sessions |
What to expect on the first days
Expect the first day or two to feel unfamiliar. Path of Sincerity notes that the first 2 or 3 days of a retreat are often just getting acclimated (source). Restlessness, sleepiness and a busy mind are normal.
Andrew writes candidly about this. His Substack post 3 things I wish I knew before starting meditation and his video “Your Mind When You Try to Meditate: Honest Confessions” are both worth a look before you go.
Common first-retreat worries
- “I can’t sit still.” Most people feel this. Breathwork gives a restless mind something concrete to follow; see the breathwork retreat guide.
- “I won’t know anyone.” Many people attend alone, and residential retreats are designed for that.
- “What if it gets emotional?” Tell the teacher or staff. You can rest or step out.
- “Is this the right retreat?” Compare options in the meditation retreat for beginners guide.
Common questions
How do I prepare for my first meditation retreat?
Start a short daily practice two or three weeks before, even 10 minutes a day, so sitting still feels familiar. Andrew’s guided meditation videos are a good place to begin. Then plan travel so you arrive rested, tell work and family you will be offline and read the program page so you know the schedule.
See this answer in the full FAQWhat should I pack for a residential retreat?
Pack comfortable layered clothing you can sit in, a refillable water bottle, any medications and warm clothes for cool mountain mornings and evenings. Boone sits at high elevation in the Blue Ridge Mountains, so November weather can be cold. Check the Retreat Center’s own guidance for items it provides, such as cushions or bedding.
See this answer in the full FAQWhat if I can’t stop thinking during meditation?
That is normal and expected, especially for beginners. Andrew addresses it in videos such as “Your Mind When You Try to Meditate: Honest Confessions” and “How to Tackle Unwanted Thoughts and Improve Your Focus.” Breathwork can help, because following a breathing pattern gives a busy mind something concrete to do.
See this answer in the full FAQWhat if I feel uncomfortable or emotional during a retreat?
Strong feelings sometimes come up when daily distractions fall away, and retreat teachers are used to it. Tell the teacher or staff if something feels too intense; you can rest or step out of a session. If you are managing a mental health condition, talk with your provider before attending.
See this answer in the full FAQCan I go to a meditation retreat alone?
Yes. Many people attend retreats on their own, and residential programs are designed so you have structure, meals and group sessions without needing a companion. Andrew’s two upcoming programs at the Art of Living Retreat Center are residential, so you can arrive solo and simply follow the schedule.
See this answer in the full FAQAre there guided meditations I can try first?
Yes. Andrew’s films include a “10 Minute Guided Mindfulness Meditation by the Lake” and a “15 Minute Meditation to Help You Find Inner Peace.” Trying one or two at home is a simple way to see how his guidance feels before committing to several days at a residential retreat.
See this answer in the full FAQReady to sit with Andrew in the mountains?
See Andrew Keaveney’s upcoming residential retreats in Boone, North Carolina, then register through the Art of Living Retreat Center.