Anxious about coming to a retreat? No Worries!
For some folks, the idea of sitting in a room full of people for the day can seem a bit overwhelming. Lots of people with social anxiety are interested in meditation. We want you to feel as comfortable as possible when you are with us. Here are some common questions people ask. If you don't find what you need here, please contact us. We want to help. For what to expect generally, read about what to expect at a retreat.
What if I am late?
No worries! It’s not a big deal. People show up late all the time for all sorts of reasons. Just come in quietly and find a place to sit. You can also wait outside the door until we have one of our frequent breaks.
What if I have to leave early?
No worries! It’s not a big deal. If you leave during a break no one will even notice. Even if you have to leave suddenly, it’s not a problem.
What if I start to feel overwhelmed with all the people there?
No worries! It’s not a big deal. You can always slip out and go for a short walk. It’s good to get outside from time to time anyway.
What if I start to have a panic attack?
No worries! It’s not a big deal. If you like you can stand up and leave the room for a few minutes at any time. People have to do that for a variety of reasons and it’s not a problem. Although our volunteers aren’t specially trained in these things, you can always ask them for help if you need it.
Will I have to talk to anyone?
No! We don’t do sharing circles or any activities that require interaction. Even the question and answer session is done by writing questions on slips of paper. Of course we love it when folks can chat and make new friends, but you don’t have to.
Will it be strange if I don’t talk to anyone during the breaks?
No worries! It’s not a big deal. If there is anywhere in town that it is not strange to be silent, it is at our retreat. If you don’t want to talk, just close your eyes and the people around you will think you are meditating.
What if I don't want to wear a name tag?
No worries! It’s not a big deal. It's not required. Believe it or not, some people actually like wearing name tags.
I don't know very much about Buddhism or meditation? Will I stick out?
No! Not at all. Many people who attend have little or no knowledge of Buddhism or meditation. You'll actually fit right in.
What if I inadvertently do something impolite?
No worries! It’s not a big deal. There really isn't much you can do wrong. Even if you do, we won't hold it against you. Everyone is learning.
What if I sign up but have to cancel?
No worries! It’s not a big deal. We know that people have unexpected things that come up. Just let us know.
What if I sign up, have to cancel, but then suddenly can attend after all?
No worries! It’s not a big deal. Just let us know. It’s not a problem.
Still have questions? You can contact us. You may also like to read about what to expect at a retreat.
What if I am late?
No worries! It’s not a big deal. People show up late all the time for all sorts of reasons. Just come in quietly and find a place to sit. You can also wait outside the door until we have one of our frequent breaks.
What if I have to leave early?
No worries! It’s not a big deal. If you leave during a break no one will even notice. Even if you have to leave suddenly, it’s not a problem.
What if I start to feel overwhelmed with all the people there?
No worries! It’s not a big deal. You can always slip out and go for a short walk. It’s good to get outside from time to time anyway.
What if I start to have a panic attack?
No worries! It’s not a big deal. If you like you can stand up and leave the room for a few minutes at any time. People have to do that for a variety of reasons and it’s not a problem. Although our volunteers aren’t specially trained in these things, you can always ask them for help if you need it.
Will I have to talk to anyone?
No! We don’t do sharing circles or any activities that require interaction. Even the question and answer session is done by writing questions on slips of paper. Of course we love it when folks can chat and make new friends, but you don’t have to.
Will it be strange if I don’t talk to anyone during the breaks?
No worries! It’s not a big deal. If there is anywhere in town that it is not strange to be silent, it is at our retreat. If you don’t want to talk, just close your eyes and the people around you will think you are meditating.
What if I don't want to wear a name tag?
No worries! It’s not a big deal. It's not required. Believe it or not, some people actually like wearing name tags.
I don't know very much about Buddhism or meditation? Will I stick out?
No! Not at all. Many people who attend have little or no knowledge of Buddhism or meditation. You'll actually fit right in.
What if I inadvertently do something impolite?
No worries! It’s not a big deal. There really isn't much you can do wrong. Even if you do, we won't hold it against you. Everyone is learning.
What if I sign up but have to cancel?
No worries! It’s not a big deal. We know that people have unexpected things that come up. Just let us know.
What if I sign up, have to cancel, but then suddenly can attend after all?
No worries! It’s not a big deal. Just let us know. It’s not a problem.
Still have questions? You can contact us. You may also like to read about what to expect at a retreat.
