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Time for a Retreat – Personal Update

tina-meditating.jpg

By Tina Su

(Update 07/08/2009: I’ve decided to extend my stay for two more months, and will be in India until September.)

For the next four weeks, I will be living in an ashram near Bangalore India. I will be attending a meditation and spiritual retreat called Inner Awakening that I have been anticipating for many months now.

It’s an opportunity to learn directly from an enlightened guru in a serene environment, along with several hundred other spiritual seekers from around the world.

I’ve decided not to bring my laptop or cell phone, and to fully emerse myself in the experience. Besides, a month without technology sounds like a really nice cleanse of its own.

During this time, no new articles will be published. However, there are a ton of articles published in the past that you may like, so check them out. I’ve also listed out my favorite articles at the end of this post.

Other TSN News

For Your Curiosity

I get asked some common questions. And to satisfy some of your curiosity, here are some insights into my life.

Q: What is your religion? Are you Buddhist or something?

I do not belong to an organized religion. I am not a Buddhist or a Christian. However, I am also not an Atheist or an Agnostic.

My mother is a baptized Christian who connects with Buddhist teachings and my dad is a trans-denominational Catholic. Such was the environment during my formative years.

As a teenager, I was taught to experience the divine instead of trying to name it. I was taught to follow my heart. I was taught to live consciously and to always speak truthfully.

I am spiritual and am a seeker of Truth. I do not trust based on what I hear, or align to specific rules. My views are purely based on the experiences I’ve encountered and witnessed with my conscious awareness.

My view on the topic of religion is that there are many paths that lead to the same place. You may disagree, and that’s okay. Different teachings speak to different souls. Follow your heart.

Q: Tell me something about this retreat

The ashram is located by a small town called Bidadi, near Bangalore. We were recommended to bring seven changes of white colored, loose fitting, modest clothes. Realizing at the last minute that I did not have seven such garments, I rushed out this week and collected them (hard to find, by the way, in North America).

Each day starts at 6am and ends at 11:30pm. The morning starts with group yoga and meditation until 8am, followed with a concoction of meals, lessons, breaks, and various meditations.

The retreat I enrolled in is called Inner Awakening, and it lasts for 21 days. There is another program happening simultaneously at the ashram that lasts for 90 days, and I’m kicking myself a little for not having the foresight to plan for the latter instead. Oh well, perhaps next year. [update: after arriving, I've decided to enroll in the 90 day program]

Q: Why do you want to attend such a retreat?

There are many reasons, but the more direct answer is: It felt like the right thing to do. I also strongly feel that the retreat will teach me things, and give me the clarity and insight that will help me better serve this site, and future projects related to my personal purpose.

Q: Are you going with a friend or with your husband?

I will be going on my own. Jeremy will making sure TSN is up and running, and in charge of site administration while I’m gone.

Create Your Own Personal Retreat

While I am away, I want to make sure that you guys are taking care of yourselves, by creating time out of your week (or day) to connect with yourself, to love yourself, and to give thanks for the things you are grateful for.

If you want to experience a piece of what I am doing, consider doing one or more of the following ideas:

  • Cleansing Day – Take one day (a month or a week) off to spend with yourself. Spend the day on your own without the computer, phone, music players and tv (shut everything off). Spend the day communing with nature, going for walks, contemplating in your journal, and maybe reading inspirational things. Optionally, consider spending the day without speaking, unless you are addressed by another person.
  • Take a Meditation or Yoga Class - at the local gym or meet up. Many temples of various religions offer meditation classes for free. It doesn’t hurt to be open to it and experiment with them. When I first moved to Seattle, I would go to a local Tibetan Buddhist temple for this.
  • Moments of Stillness, Everyday - spend 10 minutes everyday with your eyes closed in silence. Start with some deep breaths and focus on your breath. Whenever thoughts come, just bring your focus back on your breathing. Extend it to longer than 10 minutes if you can. 21 minutes or more gives best results.
  • Write a Love Letter – to yourself, to another person, or to the Universe. The point of this, is practicing of gratitude, and realizing the abundance of goodness you have in your life.
  • Selfless Service - Do something for someone, or for some group of people without expecting anything in return, and don’t tell people that you did it (bragging that you did something counts as expecting something, and it no longer becomes selfless service).


  • Inspirational Reading - Read something that inspires you, and gives your inner space a sense of peaceful clarity. I highly recommend “The Power of Now” and “Living Enlightenment” (Here’s the shortened version of the book). I also really liked “The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari“. I have not read the following yet, but they are on my reading list for similar purposes:

My Favorite Articles

Okay, so selecting favorite articles for me, is like choosing a favorite child. Since I couldn’t pick just one, or even ten, I’ve just gone through the archives and selected ones that pulled at my heartstrings.

I’ve broken them up into categories best fitted for each article:

Motivation

Happiness – Part 1

Clarity

Happiness – Part 2

Productivity & Creativity

Relationships

Health

By the time this post is published, I will be on my glorious 20-hour flight. I will not have Internet access until I return home in mid July. If you have questions or comments, I would appreciate it if you could leave them in the comment section of this post instead of emailing me. I will respond when I am back, in the meanwhile, others may comment on it as well.

Happy reading. Make sure to soak up the summer sun.
See you in four weeks!

Popular search terms for this article:

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71 Responses (69 Comments, 2 Trackbacks ):

Comments

  1. Daniel Richard

    Jun 13 09, 7:58 am PDT

    1

    I’m sure you will have a great time at the retreat. Will be looking forward to reading new articles from you. Do share your experiences too!

    Enjoy the 20hrs flight – sounds long, though it will add to your excitement for the retreat. :)

  2. Laura

    Jun 13 09, 8:39 am PDT

    2

    I wish you all the best at your retreat, and I hope you have a wonderful period of enlightenment. I also congratulate you on your beautiful marriage – it is evident that your husband loves you immensely! Have a great time, and be sure to let us know in all detail what it was like!

  3. Mark Foo | TheBigDreamer.com

    Jun 13 09, 9:56 am PDT

    3

    Hi Tina,

    Leo Babauta of Zen Habits is going away and you’re going away as well… Seems like this is a good time to go away! ;)

    I hope you have a great experience at the retreat and I’m sure you’ll be sharing with us what you have learnt when you’re back, ya? I’m looking forward to that and I’m certain so are other of your readers.

    Cheers~

    Mark

  4. Chris

    Jun 13 09, 11:07 am PDT

    4

    have a great trip Tina, hope its everything you’re hoping for and more. Look forward to what you have to share with us in a month!! = )

  5. sanjay

    Jun 13 09, 11:17 am PDT

    5

    It’s indeed a brave decision to remain cut off from the world for 1 month.All the very best for a healing and enlightening session.we would love to hear the profound changes it bought about in you.Enjoy !!!

  6. Yoli

    Jun 13 09, 11:45 am PDT

    6

    I wish that this retreat brings you enlightenment at a deeper level. You are a great person who brings light, love and truth to others and I am sure this experience will bring out more of your true essence. All the best, Namaste.

    Yoli

  7. Positively Present

    Jun 13 09, 12:19 pm PDT

    7

    What interesting timing! I just finished reading “The Geography of Bliss” and learned about the author’s experience with an ashram. I think it sounds like a great, inspirational, and enlightening experience and I wish you the best of luck (if that’s the right thing to say?) on your trip. I hope you will share your experience with us upon your return.

    Thanks for sharing the ideas about having our own retreats. Those are great ideas and I’m definitely going to try some of them out. And I’m definitely going to read some of the posts you linked to. Many of them I’ve read, but those I haven’t, I’m excited to read! :)

  8. Solo Road Trip

    Jun 13 09, 1:18 pm PDT

    8

    Enjoy!

  9. Nathalie Lussier

    Jun 13 09, 2:28 pm PDT

    9

    Have a great time Tina. I know you’ll love it, and come back with so many ideas and stuff to share with us.

    Love you!

  10. Jessica

    Jun 13 09, 4:11 pm PDT

    10

    That sounds like a wonderful experience, Tina! Thanks for the tips on creating a personal retreat. I’ve been spending the last few months with one full day a week disconnected from screens and monitors and phones and it’s done wonders for my creativity. So, for anyone who’s thinking that sounds really good–definitely give it a try! It was almost impossible the first month, but it’s gotten easier and easier and now I really look forward to that time away.

  11. John - Zen-Moments

    Jun 13 09, 5:35 pm PDT

    11

    I wish you well on the retreat Tina. Follow the guidance into your own inner guidance, clarity, and wisdom.

    Much ground can be covered in these retreats if you apply yourself, and I know you will. Even though this is a very large retreat, the atmosphere, communal energy, and focus, will help tremendously.

    Smiles,
    John

  12. Amanda

    Jun 13 09, 6:12 pm PDT

    12

    Hi Tina,

    I got the book. I know you’ll know what I mean.

    I hope you the retreat goes well. My experience is that retreats can be very intense, and 6am -11.30 pm sounds very intense to me. Yet I hope that it’s not too intense that there isn’t the space for realisation.

    Please be safe and well

    Namaste & love

    Amanda

  13. A.Feierman

    Jun 13 09, 7:52 pm PDT

    13

    Sound wonderful! Enjoy!

  14. Alison Wiley, Diamond-Cut Life

    Jun 14 09, 6:19 am PDT

    14

    Tina, I like what you’re doing, both seeking spiritual guidance from someone you respect (more commonly done in Eastern cultures than Western ones) and particularly being technology-free for several weeks (definitely uncommon in the West!). You’re journeying outside the box and I think you’ll come back wiser and more deeply serene than you already are.

    I had a surprising experience around technology-addiction while on a weekend retreat last winter. Hope this encourages you and others on the path of creativity: http://www.diamondcutlife.org/free-of-internet-service/

  15. Nadia - Happy Lotus

    Jun 14 09, 8:58 am PDT

    15

    Hi Tina,

    May you have a safe journey to and from India. I lived there for six months as part of my spiritual journey. I lived in a small town (also north of Bangalore) that had an ashram too. It was an amazing experience. So I have no doubt that you will have your own amazing experience on many levels. I am sure I am not alone in saying, we all look forward to when you return!

  16. Vincent

    Jun 14 09, 9:04 am PDT

    16

    Hi Tina,

    I seems like an interesting retreat and do share with us your findings after your retreat.

    Cheers,
    Vincent

  17. Celes | EmbraceLiving.Net

    Jun 14 09, 9:40 am PDT

    17

    Hey Tina! Enjoy your retreat – I’m sure it will be an extremely spiritually awakening experience. I’m going on a retreat myself too in July for about 2 weeks, and I’m looking forward to that too. I look forward to new articles on TSN when you return!

  18. Ravi

    Jun 14 09, 6:12 pm PDT

    18

    Hey Tina, best of luck with this new adventure!

  19. Erik

    Jun 15 09, 7:37 am PDT

    19

    Have a fun and safe trip! I look forward to hearing anything you wish to share on the experience.

  20. Sallena

    Jun 15 09, 8:48 am PDT

    20

    Tina: Thank you so much for sending this email with your list of favorites. I continue to be moved by your insights, transparency and wisdom. I am honored to have “found” you.

  21. Alex @ Happiness in this World

    Jun 15 09, 11:22 am PDT

    21

    Best of luck on your trip. I wrote a recent article about dealing with the pain of losing attachments, a central part to achieving the kind of peace I imagine you’re taking your trip to learn. Interested readers can find it at http://happinessinthisworld.com/2009/06/14/the-double-edged-sword-of-attachment/

    Best,
    Alex

  22. Asianmommy

    Jun 15 09, 6:13 pm PDT

    22

    Have a wonderful trip! Congrats on your mention in Glamour.

  23. Charley

    Jun 15 09, 7:56 pm PDT

    23

    You are a living inspiration, Tina, as always. I do detect some jealousy bubbling up from my soul. Enjoy and I hope you have some great stories when you come back.

  24. Katie West/The Levity Coach

    Jun 16 09, 10:41 am PDT

    24

    Tina,
    Have a shining time at the Ashram. Thank you for setting such a good example on listening to our intuition and taking time for ourselves.

    When I first met my husband, I told him very certainly “I will need to take 5 weeks away every year just to myself.” He was daunted but intrigued.
    These days with little ones and a growing business, I do not take my 5 weeks all in a row. Instead they stretch out throughout the year as “Growing Days” They feed me personally and spiritually.

    Enjoy your journey and congratulations on your success.
    Peace and laughter,
    Katie

  25. Gary Ryan Blair

    Jun 16 09, 8:16 pm PDT

    25

    Have a nice time. Such occasional breaks should be taken just to clam down both the mind and the body.

    Enjoy.

  26. Mark S

    Jun 17 09, 3:11 am PDT

    26

    I think it’s great to be unplugged frequently, but for a whole month? Not even sure that I can do that! But I look forward to hearing how that goes for you.

    Have an awesome trip!

    -mark

  27. Anil Kumar Kuppa

    Jun 17 09, 8:36 am PDT

    27

    I’ve been following your blog for the past six months.. Thanks to you, I’ve changed for good. I can feel the change. Your posts are like medicine to me. I have become addictive of your posts.

    Will be waiting for your next post.

  28. Auto Insurance Phi

    Jun 17 09, 4:26 pm PDT

    28

    Have a great and safe trip, and be sure to post pictures when you get back! That should be an awesome post.

  29. Rebecca

    Jun 19 09, 7:55 am PDT

    29

    It sounds delightful. I don’t know if I know how to be still and quiet. It would probably take me a month just to get to that point and then I’d have to stay another month for it to be a success! lol…. Many blessings to you on your trip!

  30. Daryl Furuyama

    Jun 19 09, 9:45 am PDT

    30

    Cool. I hope that you have a wonderful experience, but don’t forget to eventually come back to your blog! ;)

    If you’re interested in how I meditate, you can read about my meditation techniques on my blog.

    On a side note, I think it’s kind of funny how you’re making preparations to take care of your readers while you’re gone. It lets us know you care :)

  31. Valerie

    Jun 20 09, 7:12 am PDT

    31

    Wow! Sounds like a wonderful experience! I wish you the best!
    Valerie

  32. Ohoud

    Jun 20 09, 12:24 pm PDT

    32

    Hi Tina,

    Wish you all the best on your retreat.. I’ve been reading your posts recently .. and i really enjoyed each minute of it. So thanks a lot .. and i will be looking forward to hear all about your journey to retreat..

    I would like to say that for me as a Muslim..i connect to myself and retreat myself five times a day .. and thats through the five prayers we do everyday as a Muslims. I look at these Prayers as a lifebelt or a lifeline that connects me, five times a day, to the reality, to the source of peace, to the way to find my real self, and improve.. Five prayers a day where i say my thanks and express my gratefulness to my God “Allah” for everything…It Is the time where i feel light and relaxed and all the happiness of the world is there in my heart….
    I wish everyone this kind of happiness …
    http://live.islamweb.net/quran/MeshariAl3affasy/19.mp3

  33. Miguel Mayher

    Jun 22 09, 8:07 am PDT

    33

    Tina,

    I hope you have an enlightening retreat. Literally :)

    One month – wow.

    After reading this post, I have just enrolled to a 1 day meditation retreat in Oxford. I’d postponed that for too long.

    We will be waiting for your new articles, and I’m sure they will be at a whole new level!

    Best,

    Miguel

  34. Liara Covert

    Jun 22 09, 11:03 am PDT

    34

    Thank you for reminding readers to be open to possibilities. Self-care and self-immersion into soul endeavours not only helps the self, but all. Caring for yourself is another way to show compassion and caring for everyone. Blessings for your continued journey to rejoin oneness.

  35. Scott - Reading For Your Success

    Jun 22 09, 11:38 am PDT

    35

    Sounds amazing Tina and I cannot wait to hear about it. A retreat to India is definitely one of the things on my list. It has become especially important as I’ve gotten more serious about meditation and making it a part of my life this year. Such a nice addition. I just posted a review on the book How To Meditate. It got me started on the right foot earlier this year and how I am spending more time with material from guys like Jon Kabat Zin and others who have been in the space for a long time. It’s been amazing.

    Enjoy it all…

    -Scott

  36. Marc and Angel Hack Life

    Jun 23 09, 8:17 am PDT

    36

    Sounds like a great escape, Tina.

    Have a great time, learn something, and come back and share it with us.

    ;-)

  37. lisa

    Jun 23 09, 7:58 pm PDT

    37

    Hello everyone!
    I just spoke with Tina, she is enjoying her time in India and asked me to thank you for all of your well wishes and good thoughts.

    Lisa

  38. Winnie Lim

    Jun 24 09, 12:47 am PDT

    38

    I resonate very much with:
    I am spiritual and am a seeker of Truth. I do not trust based on what I hear, or align to specific rules. My views are purely based on the experiences I’ve encountered and witnessed with my conscious awareness.

    I hope it will be a wonderful experience for you, please do share your experience with us when you get back. This is something that I would want to do in the near future as well. All the best. :)

  39. Jonathan | EnlightenYourDay.com

    Jun 25 09, 12:46 pm PDT

    39

    Amazing post! I will plan a personal retreat day very soon. Thanks for the inspiration.

    Allowing readers to subscribe via Kindle is an amazing idea.

    Cheers

    Jonathan

  40. Hamid

    Jun 26 09, 4:18 am PDT

    40

    Tina, we are missing you input. Anxisouly waiting for your return.

  41. GY

    Jun 27 09, 1:55 am PDT

    41

    Enjoy the journey and the experience!

  42. fayzspace.com

    Jun 28 09, 7:34 am PDT

    42

    hii tina..all the best..hope you find what you are looking for..

    cleansing is a very important part in life’s journey..

  43. Alex

    Jun 29 09, 11:45 am PDT

    43

    Hmmm, living in an ashram for a few weeks sounds like fun. Can’t wait to try it myself. Good luck!

  44. Dayne | TheHappySelf.com

    Jul 01 09, 3:49 pm PDT

    44

    As soon as I read you were going to visit an ashram, it reminded me of the book, “Eat, Pray, Love”, which I loved. I’ve always dreamed of doing a retreat like that to simply be…still. I look forward to reading what you have to say about your experience. Have a good time!

  45. Lori | Spiritual Tidbits

    Jul 04 09, 11:45 am PDT

    45

    Sounds like a wonderful experience. I’ve always wanted to do something like that, so please tell us all about it when you get back.

  46. Shun Jian | RichGrad.com

    Jul 07 09, 7:46 am PDT

    46

    Have a wonderful time Tina! And may you be inspired to come up with more amazing articles =)

  47. AJ

    Jul 10 09, 6:18 am PDT

    47

    Hey,

    I hope you have a great trip. May you absorb all the serenity. I really like your efforts. and the words of wisdom. A little pure thought to them, and things do seem simple. I have been trying to put together something similar. Because I believe simple words can change your approach. I have been trying to share inspirations and aspirations of people. and link them together for other readers. :)

    Take Care

  48. Aliantce

    Jul 10 09, 3:01 pm PDT

    48

    Please keep us updated with any progress.

  49. Jeryl Cook

    Jul 12 09, 5:55 am PDT

    49

    I wish you the best on your retreat, and that you will come back refreshed and spiritually fulfilled!

    -Jeryl

  50. swiftkickinthe.com

    Jul 18 09, 8:59 am PDT

    50

    Please come back and teach us what you learned!!!!

  51. Liara Covert

    Jul 20 09, 4:17 pm PDT

    51

    As you choose to detach from technology, you shift to focus on the core state of being. This allows you to nurture innate capacities such as telepathy which slowly render computer mediation obsolete.

  52. Mark

    Jul 21 09, 11:06 am PDT

    52

    I haven’t gone on a retreat during my adult life and I think I’m ready for one. I went to a few religion based retreats as a teenager and I enjoyed them but I never stop to take care of myself now… I’m a single dad with 2 jobs. Even a walk in the woods by myself every once in a while would give me time to reflect.

  53. taney

    Jul 22 09, 4:22 pm PDT

    53

    Wow! That sounds really exciting! It sounds like something I would like to consider in the future. I have always read about people’s experience on these spiritual journeys. I’m very spiritual myself and I have a meditation session at least once a day and I feel that it helps me find myself.

    I feel as though this kind of spiritual journeys that you’re enduring is a way to connect with nature and have a sort of spiritual awakening. I cannot wait to hear about your experiences when you come back! I’m sure it will be a great one! Hope to hear from you soon!

  54. Daniel Richard | Zen Sales

    Jul 24 09, 11:34 am PDT

    54

    Saw the update. 2 more months of stay! Wow. But I’m sure you’d have a great time during the retreat. :)

  55. sd

    Jul 24 09, 8:43 pm PDT

    55

    If you can afford, why not. It sounds good to me.

  56. Trina

    Jul 30 09, 1:38 pm PDT

    56

    Wonderful tips as usual. Social media is great and fun but there needs to be more moments where I unplug as a means to recharge.

  57. Nathalie Lussier

    Aug 01 09, 2:46 pm PDT

    57

    I just saw the update and wanted to drop in and say hi. I know you’re without internet, and that in itself must be nice. :) I hope all is well with you and yours! Enjoy it!

  58. jonathanfigaro

    Aug 02 09, 1:53 pm PDT

    58

    A retreat inside of the mind is the best location. Being able to just sit down calmly and quiet all the chit chatter bring me joy. Meditation is one of those priceless activities that cannot be purchased. Its really is method of inner peace………which is indescribable.

  59. Chris | Martial Development

    Aug 03 09, 6:28 pm PDT

    59

    Cool, Tina. I was just at the ashram, and I recorded a music video about my stay there. :)

    http://vimeo.com/3288510

  60. Mr Alberts

    Aug 05 09, 6:55 pm PDT

    60

    Good for you! I hope all your expectations are met with your extended stay. And, more importantly, I hope that expectations are met that you didn’t even expect! Go for it, and then some!

  61. Steve Jacob

    Aug 07 09, 8:33 am PDT

    61

    absolutely wonderful!

  62. Ivan

    Aug 09 09, 11:09 am PDT

    62

    Hello Tina, just wanted to wish you luck on your journey that Is amazing that you are learning from samiji…That is also one of my dreams to go to Nithyananda’s ashram in near future….can’t wait to hear about your transformation :)

  63. Jane

    Aug 11 09, 1:19 pm PDT

    63

    Hi, I really enjoy your blog and saw your update. Very happy for you and also looking forward to read about your experience–hoping you will share some of what I imagine is an incredible journey.

  64. Effortless Abundance

    Aug 12 09, 4:20 pm PDT

    64

    I will always remember a meditation retreat I attended some years ago. It was a very interesting and refreshing experience. I would recommend it.

  65. Carla

    Aug 18 09, 6:07 am PDT

    65

    Hi Tina – looking forward to your return and to hear about your experience. Swami Medhananda came to our local Satsang in the Dallas are on Sunday. It was a incredible experience.

  66. Mike

    Aug 20 09, 2:25 pm PDT

    66

    Hi Tina,
    Thinking about you and truly hope you find what you are searching for and maybe share it with all of us… You have and will keep inspiring all of us to follow your footsteps!
    Always sending you and your family positive energy!!!
    M

  67. Rajesh Chaukwale

    Aug 25 09, 9:59 am PDT

    67

    Hi Tina… I am Rajesh. I am here as I read your article at Problogger and just found it stunning…. Congrats for establishing such great blog and in such less time.

    Your ideas are very genuine and will surely help me and such bloggers. Keep going…. my best wishes.

    Rajesh.

  68. Uzma

    Aug 28 09, 12:26 pm PDT

    68

    Hey Tina
    Just to let you know that we miss your writing. Hope you’re having a wonderful time, experiencing stillness and becoming it.
    But really, miss your blogs :-)
    Though am sure we will have deep and beautiful stuff when your back

  69. sian

    Aug 29 09, 4:56 pm PDT

    69

    truly enjoy the experience! PS-I voted for you on Divina divine…hope you win!!

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