The word meditate finds its roots in the old French word, ‘meditacioun’ and the Latin word ‘meditari’. It means ‘to contemplate, focus or ponder’. Meditation as we understand it today is a practice that requires one to be mindful and focused. It keeps the mind clear, calm, and stable.
The earliest mention of this practice is found in ancient Indian texts where it is referred to as ‘dhyana’. There are many ways to meditate, and each technique and practice offers a rewarding and satisfying experience. If you wish to book a Goa meditation retreat, here are some things you should consider.
Goa is located on the South Western coast of India and is known for its peaceful and beautiful beaches. Many of the yoga and meditation centers here are located close to the beach. You will enjoy practicing ocean meditation to the gentle sounds of the waves. Most meditation centers also offer guests yoga programs.
Meditation Style
You can choose a Goa meditation retreat based on the style of meditation that interests you. Some of the types of meditation practiced in retreats in Goa include mindful, mantra, and chakra meditation. In some cases, the instructor guides students through the process. Visualization and sensory awareness exercises maybe conducted to help practitioners become mindful and aware of their place in the universe.
Some resorts offer different types of meditation to suit the preferences of the practitioners. Whether you are a novice or an expert, you will be glad to find that there are many meditation centers and resorts that would suit your requirements. While some students find mantra meditation helps clear their mind of thoughts, others find it conducive to focus on the chakras. You may also wish to consider silent meditation retreats as well as spiritual retreats.
Your Budget
Like most things in life, your budget will influence the kind of luxurious experience you can book. That said all resorts and meditation centers in Goa offer their guests comfortable lodging and a restful, idyllic environment for meditation. A week long retreat can cost a few hundred dollars or several thousand dollars based on how luxurious the resort is.
The Purpose of Your Trip
Your search for a meditation retreat in Goa should also be guided by the purpose of your trip. If you wish to be trained and certified as a meditation instructor you would need to consider centers that offer such a course. Usually, such a program would extend over a period of two weeks and would include hundred hours of meditation.