What is mindfulness?
Mindfulness is the state of being fully aware of our present-time experience. When we’re mindful, we’re aware of what’s actually happening to us and in front of us at any moment, recognizing that ways we can become distracted, confused and stressed by memories, plans or thoughts. Being mindful can help us feel stable, strong and focused.
I’ve practiced other forms of meditation. What is mindfulness meditation?
Mindfulness meditation is a widely practiced form that has evolved in South Asia over the past 2,500 years. It involves focusing our attention on bodily sensations, primarily the natural flow of the breath, to cultivate awareness of our present-time experience. By doing this we become aware of the ways our thoughts and emotions can distract us from what’s happening at the moment and how they can cause us stress and confusion.
Isn’t meditation a religious practice?
Many major faith traditions, including Christianity, Judaism and Buddhism, use forms of meditation. But like reading or singing, meditation is really just a method – it’s not inherently religious. In fact, there are many forms of meditation that are not religious at all. We teach meditative techniques developed in South Asia over the past 2,500 years as the way to cultivate a calm, stable mind. While practiced as a religion in some cultures, these techniques were specifically designed for anyone who wants freedom from distracting, stressful thoughts and emotions. So that’s how we offer them: as tools for living and not as a religion.
I’m interested in mindfulness meditation but I haven’t really done it before. Could I still come to a retreat?
Yes! Mindfulness meditation is easy to learn and simple (if sometimes a little challenging) to practice. Throughout the retreat you’ll receive plenty of instruction and the chance to ask lots of questions. (And chances are good you won’t be the only one who is new to it all.) With just a little effort you’ll start to see how mindfulness practice works and you’ll become more confident doing it. directly if you have questions about whether a retreat is right for you. Click here for a list of resources to help you learn more.
I’ve been to summer camps. What’s different about a MAYA retreat?
Like many summer camps, a MAYA retreat is organized around a specific theme – in this case, mindfulness. We explore this theme with a daily schedule that includes meditation periods, small-group discussion, organized activities, community chores and free time for hanging out, taking walks, napping, reading, music, etc. Everyone on the retreat, including teachers and staff, also makes specific agreements about how they’ll show respect during the retreat so that everyone can feel safe and valued.
How does a MAYA retreat differ from a silent meditation retreat?
Silent meditative practice is part of what we do at our retreats. But unlike a silent retreat, where you spend almost all your time in silence, we also spend time interacting through movement practices, discussions and activities. Moving between silence and interaction helps build the flexibility to maintain a calm, alert mind in any situation.
I’ve never been on a retreat. What are the lodging and meals like?
You’ll either share a room or stay in a dorm – accommodations vary depending on where we hold the retreat. Meals are healthy vegetarian (no meat or fish) and we try to use local, seasonal, organic ingredients as much as we can. If you have specific needs that affect how you sleep or what you eat, you can indicate them on the retreat application, or you can .
I’m not sure if I qualify for a scholarship. How do I decide whether to request one?
We offer scholarships and other financial assistance so that money won’t be an obstacle for someone who really wants to attend a retreat. If you feel the cost of the retreat is more than you can afford, — we’d be glad to tell you about the kinds of assistance we offer.
How much should I pay on the sliding scale?
Since everyone has a different ability to pay, we offer a sliding scale and not a single price. In choosing an amount that works for you, you might want to consider what you’d pay for a comparable residential program of the same length. Also keep in mind that those who can afford to pay more help us offer retreats to those who can’t afford quite as much.
I want to make a donation to the teachers. How much is enough?
There is no ‘right’ amount. What matters most is the intention to be as generous as possible given your financial circumstances. Please consider giving as much as you can afford, recognizing how you benefit from others’ generosity and what benefits your generosity can bring. Some teachers live primarily on the support they receive from the people they teach, so your generosity can make a big difference. Click here to read more about ways to support MAYA.
