Spring Washam, author and founding teacher at the East Bay Meditation Center, shares her insights on meditation retreats, diving into the misconceptions surrounding them. She addresses whether skipping a retreat makes you a bad meditator and explains the unique structures of these immersive experiences. Zev Borow, an accomplished screenwriter and Dan's friend, shares his personal journey after completing his first retreat. Together, they explore the challenges of silence, the transformative power of self-reflection, and the importance of integrating these practices into everyday life.
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Going Deeper with Retreats
Consider a meditation retreat if you want to deepen your practice.
Be prepared for renunciation and going deep within yourself.
insights INSIGHT
Renunciation on Retreat
Renunciation in retreats involves silencing external communication.
It's about being present with your mind, not necessarily shaving your head.
question_answer ANECDOTE
A Transformative Encounter
Dan Harris initially judged Spring Washam, but she helped him with a breakthrough.
Washam's advice led to a profound meditation experience for Harris.
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In 'The Spirit of Harriet Tubman: Awakening from the Underground', Spring Washam channels the story of Harriet Tubman, combining direct transmissions of her message with explorations of her life and legacy. The book provides inspiration to deepen resilience and embody strength and courage, applying Tubman's lessons to contemporary challenges. It encourages readers to live a piece of American history from Tubman's perspective, fostering courage and compassion in their own lives.
A fierce heart
Spring Washam
In 'A Fierce Heart', Spring Washam offers a blend of memoir and spiritual guidance, sharing stories from her life and global experiences to illustrate the power of compassion and mindfulness. The book combines personal reflections with teachings from Buddhism and other wisdom traditions to help readers find strength and wisdom in challenging times.
10% Happier
Dan Harris
In '10% Happier,' Dan Harris shares his personal journey of discovering the benefits of meditation. Initially a skeptic, Harris, a news anchor, found himself on a path of self-discovery after a nationally televised panic attack. He delves into the world of spirituality and self-help, encountering various figures including brain scientists, CEOs, and spiritual leaders. The book explores how meditation can reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance overall well-being without compromising one's ambition or edge. Harris emphasizes the importance of mindfulness in making one more resilient and better equipped to handle life's challenges, though it does not eliminate problems entirely[2][4][5].
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Am I a bad meditator if I don’t go on a retreat? What do they entail? How do I stay silent for days on end? How do I get into one? What’s the food like?
10% Happier with Dan Harris 
