intense meditation sessions

[marilynnrose]

Hey everyone, I'm looking into doing a ten day silent meditation retreat. It would be ten hours of meditation a day. I'm worried being inside myself that long would really open up some tough emotional responses. What do you guys think? I've recently began treatment for BPD and I'm worried I won't be able to complete the retreat. What do you think?

[Stellata]

My experience of intense meditation coupled with a fragile ego etc is not good. [And that wasn't 10 hours of meditation a day.]
I'd be careful, but that's just me. I got wary after what happened with me.

[marilynnrose]

Sorry, could you elaborate? I understand everyone will be different but I am interested in possible outcomes.

[finding_reason]

Hi there, thanks for writing.

Do you already practice meditation in some form? Retreats, silent or not allow for people to be with themselves for as much or as little as they want to be. The notion of meditation can be utilised at several different levels - visualisations, relaxation, specific focus points, it doesn't necessarily have to bring up emotional reactions that are tough all the time. From my understanding these retreats are learning how to be with yourself, your whole self and that alone can be a meditative process.

You stated in your post that you recently began treatment for BPD, have those who support you shared their views and understanding about this? They might be able to provide some more specific guidance as they know your current circumstance.

Stay well.

[Geranium]

Yes - an intense period of meditation is likely to bring up tough emotions. (I'm basing this on experience of doing day retreats and on some conversations with people who have done longer ones.)

Do you already have a well-established meditation practise? if not it seems a bit like jumping in at the deep end.

[marilynnrose]

no i don't currently, but the retreat wouldn't be till october and i'm hoping to start practicing now. i mentioned it to my counsellor and she seemed very weary however she said we could discuss it closer to fall.

[finding_reason]

Might be good to begin practicing meditation before making a decision of going on any retreat as it can be extremely intense. Meditation itself is an art and can be very tricky to learn and fall into at first because its simpleness can throw people off sometimes, as well as the notion of sitting in the body for extended periods of time. Because its a practice everyone's ability to meditate is different and where you will be in October with it may be very different than the next person....

Happy meditating. thanks for writing,
be well.