The word meditation conjures up a lot of different thoughts in people's minds, but for individuals who have attended a meditation retreat they will probably say it was incredible.

It can share invaluable lessons about perception, sensation, the space between you and your mind, patience, pain and pleasure (and the destructive power of them both), and most of all, your weaknesses and your strengths. Going on a retreat was one of the most incredible experiences of my life and it was a great way to prepare me for my Peace Corps service.

Retreats can inspire you to think about your life in a new way, and put you in a great receptive state, so you are better ready to take in the unique and incredible world of a Volunteer. If you have the time before leaving for Peace Corps, consider signing up for a free Vipassanna meditation retreat, which you can learn more about here.

Learning how to slow down is a huge advantage in the Peace Corps. College and jobs in America can be very fast-paced and it will be hard to slow down at first, but spending some time not doing anything at all can be quite helpful. Something like a retreat could be one of the best things you have ever done and prepare you for the Peace Corps in ways you could never imagine.