Take out your calendar, or if you’re reading this during

 

Plan ahead for your retreat.

If you live with other people, tell them that on “Tuesday” or “this weekend” you’re going to be in silence. Ask for their help supporting you in this plan so they don’t just start chatting to you in the kitchen.

Maybe it means you’ll sequester in your room for a day; if so, plan for that.

Clean your retreat space. Make it nice.

Get a candle to light for the duration of your retreat.

You also may want to set up a vacation email message so you don’t worry about unanswered communications.

Some people like to listen to guided meditation or dharma talks. You may want to download free talks so you can stay in airplane mode while on retreat.