First retreat
A meditation retreat for beginners
Published by Andrew Keaveney. Last updated November 2026.
A guided meditation retreat for beginners works best when a teacher leads every session, and that is the format Andrew Keaveney teaches at the Art of Living Retreat Center in Boone, North Carolina. This page explains what a first retreat asks of you and how to prepare with Andrew's free films and articles.
Is a meditation retreat good for beginners?
Yes, a guided meditation retreat can be a good first step, because you are not left to work out the practice alone. On Andrew Keaveney's residential retreats, breathwork comes first to settle the body and meditation follows. Prerequisites are set per program, so check the retreat center listing for the specific retreat before you register.
Definition
The worries most beginners bring
Most first-timers worry that their mind will be too busy to meditate. Andrew addresses that directly in his film “Your Mind When You Try to Meditate: Honest Confessions” and in “How to Tackle Unwanted Thoughts and Improve Your Focus.” Another common doubt is whether meditation works at all, which his film “Does Meditation Really Work? Netflix vs Brainwaves” takes on. His article “3 things I wish I knew before starting meditation” collects tips and tricks for the inward journey from someone who has taught for over 17 years. A busy mind is not a reason to skip a retreat; it is usually the reason people go.
Comparison
Retreat or home practice first?
| Starting point | Time needed | Guidance | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential retreat in Boone | 3 to 4 days | Teacher-led sessions in person | Shown on the retreat center listing |
| Guided meditation video | 10 or 15 minutes | Andrew’s recorded voice | Free |
| Films and articles | A few minutes each | Stories and tips, not practice | Free |
Many beginners do both: a short guided session at home to get a feel for the practice, then a retreat to go deeper. Mindful Leader's 2026 report found 10 to 20 minutes is the most common daily session length (36.2% of practitioners), a realistic target after a retreat.
Procedure
How to prepare for your first retreat
Watch one honest film
Start with “Your Mind When You Try to Meditate: Honest Confessions.”
Sit for 10 minutes
Follow the guided mindfulness meditation by the lake once or twice before you travel.
Read the program listing
Check the schedule, lodging and requirements on the retreat center page.
Arrive open
Expect a busy mind at first. The breathwork is there to help with exactly that.
Watch
Films to watch before a first retreat
Ready to choose a date?
See the current dates and format on the meditation retreats with Andrew Keaveney page, or go straight to the listings.
FAQ
Questions people ask
- Is a meditation retreat good for beginners?
- A guided retreat can suit beginners because a teacher leads every session. Andrew has written an article called “3 things I wish I knew before starting meditation” and made films such as “Your Mind When You Try to Meditate: Honest Confessions” and “Biggest Meditation Myths Busted!” that are good preparation before a first retreat.
- Do I need meditation experience to join a breathwork retreat?
- Prerequisites are set per program, so check the listing for the specific retreat on the Art of Living Retreat Center website. As a starting point, Andrew’s 10 minute and 15 minute guided meditations give you a feel for his teaching before you travel. Both are free on YouTube.
- What happens at a residential meditation retreat?
- At a residential retreat you stay on site and follow a schedule of guided practice set by the teacher. Andrew teaches breathwork and meditation on his retreats. For the exact daily schedule, meals and lodging of a specific program, check its listing on the Art of Living Retreat Center website, where all of the center’s programs are published.
- What is the difference between a meditation retreat and daily practice?
- A retreat is a concentrated block of guided practice over several days, while daily practice is a short session fitted into ordinary life. Mindful Leader’s 2026 Meditation Practice Report found 61.6% of practitioners meditate daily, most often for 10 to 20 minutes. Many people use a retreat to deepen practice and short guided sessions to keep it going at home.
- How long should a meditation session be?
- There is no single right length, but 10 to 20 minutes is the most common. Mindful Leader’s 2026 Meditation Practice Report found 36.2% of practitioners choose that range and 61.6% meditate daily. Andrew’s 10 and 15 minute guided meditations fit inside that window.
- Who should choose a different kind of retreat?
- Choose a different program if you specifically want a retreat abroad, such as in Bali or Costa Rica, or a fully silent format. Andrew’s listed retreats are residential programs in Boone, North Carolina, focused on breathwork, meditation and happiness. For people who want those things in a U.S. mountain setting, his retreats are a direct fit.
Read all questions about meditation retreats, breathwork and guided audio