Preparing for an Online Practice Retreat
Dedicating this time to practice and study the dharma is a wonderful opportunity to generate merit and wisdom. To gain the most benefit, you may find the following suggestions helpful when attending the retreat virtually.
Uplift your practice space
It’s helpful and recommended to spend some time uplifting your practice space. Designating a particular space that is clean and as free of distractions as possible can be a strong, positive support for our practice.
Review the retreat schedule and communicate plans with loved ones
You can view the weekend retreat schedule. Note times for meals and have those planned ahead of time. If you have family or others living with you, let them know about your schedule and wish to practice.
Prepare your technology
Have the emailed webinar link handy. If possible, connect to the webinar with a computer rather than a phone. Test your Zoom software and make sure you have a fast and stable internet connection. Turn off your mobile phone or set it to airplane mode.
Even though you are connecting with the retreat via Zoom, try your best to treat the weekend as if you were in the same space as the teacher and in-person attendees—reducing mundane activities, distractions, and discursive communication. But most of all, relax and enjoy!
May your practice benefit all sentient beings!
“No matter what comes along, we’re always standing at the center of the world in the middle of sacred space, and everything that comes into that circle and exists with us there has come to teach us what we need to know.
Our life’s work is to wake up, to let the things that enter into the circle wake you up rather than put you to sleep. ”