Six Strategies to Make the Most of your Downtime in Retreat
October 18, 2010 
1. Set your Intention: Keep a retreat journal and after each meditation session write down practical or experiential insights you wish to remember. When you have finished, choose one thing you can practice during your break that will prepare you for the next session.
2. Stay Silent: The sacred texts say, "In between sessions, be a figment of the imagination." Achieve this directive in between sessions by practicing silence on three levels. Silence your body. Move slowly, set things down softly, and make no unnecessary noise in your retreat space. Silence your voice. There should be no vocal sound other than the prayers or mantras connected to your practice. As best you can, silence the busy chatter of your mind. In between sessions, don’t let your mind fly off to worldly concerns. To help this, do not engage in multi-tasking. When you eat, only eat. Surrender to the pleasure and relief of doing only one thing at a time.
3. Rest: Most of us are sleep-deprived from our over stimulated and overworked lives. Additionally, spending several hours each day in meditation requires a rigorous level of concentration that few of us engage in regularly. Do your body and mind a favor and take naps between your meditation sessions. Remember that you are doing retreat in order to come out and treat others with more kindness. Start by being kind to yourself.
4. Move your body: It’s a good idea to do some movement each day to refresh and strengthen your body. Yoga asana is designed to help the body sit in meditation with more ease. However, you could also do Tai Chi, dance or good ol’ jumping jacks. Whatever you choose, remember to keep your thoughts sweet and dedicate your movement to the well being of others.
5. Move your mind: During your downtime, it is beneficial to study. However, limit your reading to spiritual texts that relate to your retreat practice or review personal advices from your Teacher. If you have vows, you should be checking them 6 times a day and using your quiet time to contemplate them more deeply. Remember, absolutely no worldly business in your retreat.
6. Smile: Remember to be grateful for the rare opportunity to be in retreat. In between sessions make a point to rejoice as much as possible. Think about your Teacher(s). Trust in and continue to pray for their blessings. Think about those for whom you practice and keep the wish for their happiness in your heart. No expectations, no fears. Sit back and enjoy the ride.