Earlier this year I found myself craving a weekend away that would push me out of my comfort zone. This is when the hunt for meditation retreats began – an opportunity to strengthen my practice and meet like minded people also wanting to explore their inner worlds.

After a bit of research, I came across Dhanakosa Buddhist Retreat Centre, nestled in the mountains surrounding Loch Voil in Scotland. I felt drawn to this place and found a weekend retreat introducing you to Buddhism with a whole load of meditation practices thrown in there too. The week long ones did take my interest but I wanted to get a bit of a taster first. I have also been very curious about Buddhism recently so this seemed like the perfect option for me.

(Since I didn’t have my phone to take any photos, enjoy a random selection from our time in Scotland)

I was quite surprised that when I arrived at Dhanakosa, I felt calm and ready for whatever the weekend had in store. As a former control freak, not knowing what the schedule was, who I’d be meeting, or what I’d be eating would have raised my anxiety levels through the roof. Thankfully I felt at peace and surrendered to whatever would be in store. I was smiling and laughing an hour in, having met a really lovely group of people all with one thing in common – we had absolutely no clue what we were having for dinner!

I could write a whole post on the food at the retreat because it was absolutely insane. Some of the best food I’ve had! It was all plant based and you could tell it was cooked with love. Oh and we had curry on the first night in case you’re wondering! It was such a gift to not think about what to buy or cook. I would definitely go back for the food alone.

Aside from eating, we had lots of meditation sessions. It was really interesting to see how different it was to meditate at different parts of the day. Usually I do it in the morning so I was curious to observe my thoughts at different times of the day. I found I did have quite a lot of mental chatter at the start of the meditations which I think was down to meeting 18 people (and trying to remember their names!). I really loved exploring the different meditations and loved how they were intertwined with the teachings of Buddhism.

Speaking of Buddhism, something I connected with very strongly is how it can be seen more of a way of life than a religion. This is different depending on the person but for someone who went to Christian camps growing up where it was God’s way or the highway, I really like the relaxed feeling surrounding Buddhism. It feels as though a lot of it aligns with how I already feel about the world and I loved learning more.

(And some more piccys! I absolutely love Scotland)

Something I also loved about the weekend is that phones were highly encouraged to be turned off for the duration of the retreat. I turned my phone off and put it in the bottom of my bag with pleasure. I was more than happy to have a weekend without it. I felt really free actually. Like I could navigate the weekend with 100% commitment, not 60% with 40% reserved for the world outside of Dhanakosa. A week on from the retreat and I have mostly managed to have a better relationship with my phone. Checking it when I chose to, being super conscious of the time I do spend on it, and questioning my relationship with social media.

A few days post retreat, I found my appreciation for everything sky rocketed and I was able to observe my thoughts with zero judgment and I feel so much more connected to both people and nature. I had no idea what the outcome of this weekend would be when I booked it earlier this year. To be surrounded by people also wanting to learn more about themselves was a feeling I will hold close to my heart. In a world that seems increasingly siloed, it is comforting to know that there are many of us still seeking growth and seeing the good in the world.

p.s most of these pics were taken by our special friend Jon – thank you Jon!