Skip to content
Andrew Keaveney Retreats

Meditation retreat for beginners

A meditation retreat for beginners: what to expect

Last updated November 2026By Andrew Keaveney

Yes, beginners can go on a meditation retreat, and a short guided retreat that uses breathwork is often the easiest way to start.

Andrew Keaveney, who has taught breathwork and meditation for over 17 years, builds his retreats around the breath because it gives a busy mind something concrete to do. You do not need an empty mind, a flexible body, or any experience to begin.

Find a beginner friendly retreat

Is a meditation retreat good for beginners?

A meditation retreat is good for beginners when the format is guided and the length is manageable. Several days of instruction in a row can teach more than months of trying alone, because questions get answered as they come up.

A guided breathwork and meditation retreat suits most first-timers. A silent vipassana meditation retreat fits beginners who specifically want strict silence and long sits, and are ready for that challenge.

Your first retreat, in plain terms

Definition: a beginner friendly retreat

A beginner friendly meditation retreat is one with clear step by step instruction, short practice periods that build gradually, seated options on a cushion or chair, and a teacher available for questions. In Andrew Keaveney's retreats at the Art of Living Retreat Center in Boone, North Carolina, breathwork comes before meditation, which helps settle restlessness so sitting quietly feels less like a struggle. Andrew has spoken on podcasts about how breathwork opens the door to meditation, and has made short films about the honest reality of a wandering mind.

Starting numbers

of practitioners sit 10 to 20 minutes, the most common length
36.2%
of practitioners meditate daily
61.6%
days for Andrew’s November retreats
3 to 4
Andrew’s free guided mindfulness meditation
10 min

Practice figures from the 2026 Meditation Practice Report, Mindful Leader. Retreat details as listed on andrewkeaveney.com, as of November 2026.

How to prepare for your first meditation retreat

  1. Start small at home

    Sit for 10 minutes a day for a week or two. Andrew’s 10 minute guided mindfulness meditation is a good start.

  2. Expect a busy mind

    Wandering thoughts are part of practice, not a sign you are doing it wrong.

  3. Tell the team about health needs

    Mention injuries or conditions before you arrive so instruction can be adjusted.

  4. Pack for comfort

    Loose layers, warm clothes for mountain mornings and a notebook.

  5. Arrive with one intention

    Rest, learn, or reset. A simple aim makes the days easier to use.

Part of the meditation retreat guide by Andrew Keaveney.

Beginner questions

Can a beginner go to a meditation retreat?

Yes. Many retreats welcome people with no meditation experience, and a guided format can be an easier start than a strict silent one. Andrew Keaveney’s retreats combine breathwork with meditation, and he has spoken on podcasts about how breathwork opens the door to meditation, which many beginners find helpful when sitting still feels hard.

More in the full FAQ: Can a beginner go to a meditation retreat?

What if I cannot quiet my mind?

That is normal and not a reason to skip a retreat. A busy mind is where almost everyone starts. Andrew Keaveney has made a short film called Your Mind When You Try to Meditate: Honest Confessions, and has written about three things he wishes he knew before starting meditation. Breathing practices can make settling down noticeably easier.

More in the full FAQ: What if I cannot quiet my mind?

How should a beginner prepare for a first retreat?

Try a few short daily sits beforehand, even 10 minutes, so the format feels familiar. A 2026 Mindful Leader report found 10 to 20 minutes was the most common session length (36.2%) among practitioners. Andrew’s free 10 minute guided mindfulness meditation and 15 minute meditation for inner peace are simple ways to practice first.

More in the full FAQ: How should a beginner prepare for a first retreat?

Do I need to be flexible or fit to attend?

Generally, no. Meditation and breathwork can usually be done seated on a cushion or chair. Some retreats include gentle yoga, which is often optional or adaptable. If you have injuries, mobility limits or health conditions, contact the retreat center before registering to confirm what the program involves and what accommodations are available.

More in the full FAQ: Do I need to be flexible or fit to attend?

Is it okay to go to a meditation retreat alone?

Yes. Many people attend retreats on their own, and a group retreat makes it easy to practice alongside others without needing to bring anyone. Residential programs like those at the Art of Living Retreat Center bring participants together for sessions and meals, so going solo rarely means feeling isolated for the whole stay.

More in the full FAQ: Is it okay to go to a meditation retreat alone?

What type of retreat is best for a beginner?

For most beginners, a short guided retreat with clear instruction is easier than a long silent one. A program combining breathwork and meditation gives the mind something concrete to focus on. People already comfortable sitting for long periods, or seeking strict silence, may prefer a vipassana meditation retreat instead.

More in the full FAQ: What type of retreat is best for a beginner?

Start with a guided retreat

Andrew Keaveney's breathwork and meditation retreats welcome first-timers.

See upcoming retreats