A Journey Within: My second 10-Day Vipassana Meditation Retreat

I've always believed in the power of the mind and that anything is possible, it doesn't matter "how".

To celebrate ten years of my first Vipassana meditation course, I recently embarked again on a life-changing adventure that I feel compelled to share with all of you - a 10-day Vipassana meditation course at the Dhamma Neru centre, just outside the bustling city of Barcelona.

Having completed my first Vipassana meditation course in Italy in 2013, I felt it was time to strengthen my practice and seek for greater mind clarity. My first quest in Tuscany was life-changing and took me to the depth of my physical and metaphysical limits. As a result, I was gifted with greater self-awareness and more mindfulness, plus, and a big plus, I completely eradicated my 12+ years migraine condition (being medicine free since then).

Back to 2024. Nestled in the serene embrace of nature, Dhamma Neru offers a respite from the daily grind, providing a conducive environment for self-discovery and mindfulness. As I reflect on the transformative experience recently concluded, I'm eager to recount the highlights of this spiritual journey.

The first few days were undoubtedly challenging, as we delved into the practice of noble silence. Breaking free from the constant chatter of the external world, I found myself face-to-face with my own thoughts, re-learning to master my own mind. The disciplined routine of waking up at 4am, engaging in serious and rigorously planned meditation sessions, with a total of 12h of meditation every day, and abstaining from any form of communication allowed me to focus inward.

Vipassana meditation, rooted in the teachings of Gautama Buddha, is a technique that encourages the observation of bodily sensations. As we progressed, the profound simplicity of the practice revealed itself. The technique empowers individuals to observe sensations with equanimity, with absence of judgment, teaching us to accept the impermanence of every experience, as they are, and not as we want them to be.

The beautiful surroundings of Dhamma Neru complemented the meditation practice. Surrounded by lush greenery and the serene backdrop of the Catalan countryside, the centre provided a tranquil space for introspection. The simplicity of the accommodation and vegetarian meals further reinforced the focus on self-awareness and on strengthening inner peace. The wonderful service, provided by volunteers that previously completed a 10-day course themselves, allowed each one of us, fifty meditators, to not be distracted with cleaning, cooking or anything else, but to be 100% engaged and focused on meditation only.

As the days unfolded, a sense of tranquility and clarity began to settle within me. The realisation dawned that true peace is not contingent on external circumstances but is a product of our internal state. The simplicity of Vipassana, stripped of any rituals, religions or dogma, made it accessible to people from all walks of life. The noble silence, initially challenging, became a powerful ally on this journey. Divested of verbal communication, I learned to communicate with myself on a deeper level and slowly strip myself from mind clutter.

The course concluded with the practice of metta, or loving-kindness meditation, which radiated a profound sense of goodwill and compassion towards all beings. The bonds formed during the silent sojourn were unique, as if we had all shared an unspoken language that transcended words.

Returning to the outside world after ten days of solitude was both daunting and enlightening. Armed with a newfound sense of self-awareness and a toolset for navigating life's challenges, I left my Vipassana course with a heart full of gratitude and a sense of sharing all I have received and learned in life.

I recount this experience not as a mere anecdote but as an invitation. If ever the opportunity arises for you to embark on a Vipassana meditation retreat, I wholeheartedly encourage you to seize it. It might just be the transformative journey your soul craves.

Wishing you peace and mindfulness,

Emerson.