10 Days of Silence - My life-changing Vipassana journey

ASIDE

Vipassana means “to see things as they really are.” It is one of India’s most ancient meditation techniques - training that builds mastery over the mind, increases our awareness of unconscious reactions, and ultimately rids ourselves of suffering. It is non-religious and highly practical.

Since Vipassana, I have had greater inner peace, more control over my emotions, a consistent joyful outlook, and healthier relationships. The ten difficult days of silence was a worthwhile investment.

When I first heard about Vipassana, the promise seemed too good to be true and the method was daunting. Was this something I was mentally and physically capable of? For comparison, my usual meditation sitting was 10 minutes. Fortunately, several close friends had come through the course in one piece and all described it the same way: “a very challenging but life-changing experience.” Intuitively, I knew I needed this, so I gathered up the courage to sign up.

Vipassana is offered by meditation centres around the world, operating entirely off of donations and volunteers. Accommodations, meals, and instruction are all offered for free. The courses fill up quickly so you should apply as soon as registration opens. I took the course just outside of Toronto.

I aimed to capture the essence of Vipassana teachings in my illustrations above, but every person will have their own unique experience. I hope that it’s enough to peak your curiosity about the meditation practice and consider experiencing it for yourself. It truly has been life-changing for me.

If you have any questions about my experience, I’m happy to answer. Post in the comments below or message me via the contact page.