Not everyone wants to sit in silence and wrestle with a busy mind. In this retreat a teacher leads each session out loud: where to put your attention, when to let go of a thought, when to come back. Some sessions follow the breath. Some move through the body slowly. Some use imagery, like walking through a place you know.
It is a good first retreat if you have tried meditating on your own and gave up after four minutes. It is also good if you like the practice but need more structure than a timer.
What you get is a daily habit with some support behind it, and a clearer sense of which kind of meditation suits you. For some people that turns out to be the quiet kind, and they graduate to the Meditation or Silence retreats.
The valley, the food, the place
When the session ends, you step outside into one of the nicest valleys in the Andes. Walks are easy and there are several to choose from, from a flat stroll along the river to a longer climb above the village. Healthy food comes out regularly, with enough variety that you won't be bored by day three. The place is clean and warm in tone, the people are kind, and a few small surprises are waiting. The food is excellent, and vegetarian options are always available.