With the People Ocean's 48-hour "Mini-Vipassana" retreat, we wanted to create a meaningful experience for those who, like so many, are drawn to the benefits of a silent retreat but may find it hard to commit to an extended time away from their daily routines. We recognized that while a traditional Vipassana retreat often requires several days, a shorter immersion could still provide a window into the peace, clarity, and grounding of the practice. Our goal was to make this retreat accessible yet transformative, inviting participants to explore silence, self-reflection, and mindful practice, even within a compact timeframe.
We started by designing an arrival evening that would gently transition participants from the outside world into a more mindful, introspective space. Gathering for a shared meal, we introduced intention-setting through a tea ceremony and meditation, led by Aleka and Katya, which invited participants to articulate simple, personal goals for the weekend. By the time silence began at 21:30, participants were already opening up to the retreat’s spirit of reflection.
Each morning, we curated practices to help participants root themselves in their bodies and the present moment. The combination of ThetaHealing meditation, yoga, and Qigong set a foundation for internal focus and calm. We found that this blend of stillness and movement provided a balance, allowing participants to explore both inner and outer awareness. Journaling sessions followed, offering time for quiet introspection and a chance to capture the thoughts and feelings emerging from the practices. Aleka’s workshop on energetic boundaries was also impactful, teaching skills for protecting and managing energy that participants could carry into their everyday lives.
In the afternoons, we encouraged a deepening of connection with activities like sensory dance therapy by the ocean. Many found the movement both grounding and freeing, creating a space to release worries and anxieties. An evening fairy tale therapy session brought in a creative element where each person could contribute to a collective story—a metaphor for the shared intentions and dreams of the group.
On the last day, we introduced grounding techniques to bring clarity and closure to the experience. Morning Qigong, a “Tunnel of Desires” meditation, and Katya’s yoga session provided a framework for integration and personal goal-setting. An aromatherapy session with Aleka helped participants unwind, using essential oils and calming sounds from an ocean drum as a meditative backdrop. We concluded with a smudging and cacao ceremony, followed by a final storytelling circle to revisit the fairy tale we’d created together.
As the 48 hours came to a close, it was clear that even this short retreat had made an impact. Participants left with a sense of calm, clarity, and tools they could integrate into their busy lives, taking home both grounding practices and the peace that a weekend of intentional silence can bring. The “Mini-Vipassana” offered a glimpse into the potential of a silent retreat, and we look forward to continuing to share this format with others seeking a mindful reset within the span of a weekend.
