4 Things I Wish I Knew Before My First Vipassana Course

After completing another 10-day Vipassana course, I wanted to share the 4 things I wish I knew before my first silent meditation retreat. If you’re thinking about doing your first Vipassana course, wondering what to expect from a 10-day silent retreat, or just curious how people sit in meditation for 10 hours a day, this video is for you. I talk about the physical pain, meditation aids that nobody told me about, why you should NOT mention other meditation or healing techniques, and the unexpected vegan issue at some retreat centres. I also share why, despite all the challenges, Vipassana is still one of the most powerful experiences I’ve ever had, and how deep meditation can feel like finding a hidden room inside your own mind. Whether you are looking for Vipassana beginner tips, silent retreat advice, or honest reflections before your first meditation retreat, I hope this helps you decide if it’s something you want to try. CHAPTERS 00:00 Jump-starting my van after 10 days of not moving 00:40 What is a Vipassana course? 01:33 Why I finally booked my first course 04:10 Goenka vs IMC retreat centres 06:45 The cute stingray leaf 06:02 1. The pain 07:10 2. Meditation aids 07:54 3. Don’t mention other techniques 08.39 4. The unexpected vegan issue 12:28 Is Vipassana still worth it? 13:46 Final thoughts If you’ve done a Vipassana retreat, tell me what surprised you the most. And if you’re thinking about doing one, tell me what scares you most about it. ☕ Support my channe/ Buy me a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/jana.vanana 🛠 VanLife Gear (affiliate links) Amazon storefront: https:/www.amazon.com.au/shop/janavanana B.E.S.T. Water Filter: https://bestwaterfilters.com.au/?ref_cca=jana_vanana Bluetti AU: https://checkout.bluettipower.com.au/?ref=Jana.vanana Code: Jana5% Bluetti US: https://www.bluettipower.com/?irclickid=Tk7y3mSyrxycRjfWVQ1JhWvZUku1EgyYxy4jxc0&irgwc=1&afsrc=1&utm_source=impact&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=1439830&utm_content=6393769&sharedid= 📷 Follow my journey Instagram: @jana_vanana #Vipassana #SilentRetreat #MeditationRetreat #VipassanaCourse #Meditation #SelfDiscovery #Mindfulness #VanLife #PersonalGrowth