What to expect from a Vipassana meditation course | My 10 day meditating experience

I never understood why people meditate.

I had tried it countless times—alone, in a course, with friends—but I never grasped the deeper meaning. Sure, it was nice to relax, but that was it. Nothing profound. Nothing that made me want to keep going.

So I kept wondering: What am I missing?

At the beginning of this year, I finally decided to find out. I signed up for a 10-day Vipassana meditation course—ten days of silence, no phone, no writing, no distractions. Just me, my mind, and my body.

Some people told me I wouldn’t make it - that I’d quit by day 5. But I knew deep down that I needed this… and I was right.

If you’ve ever been curious about meditation but struggled to make sense of it, this might be for you.

What is Vipassana Meditation?

Vipassana is one of India’s most ancient meditation techniques, rediscovered by Buddha over 2,500 years ago. The word itself means seeing things as they really are. It’s a method of deep mental purification, training the mind to develop equanimity—a state of complete inner balance, unaffected by craving or aversion.

The course is completely free, run by donations (dhana). People who have already taken the course cook for you and provide everything you need so you can focus entirely on yourself.

Where else can you go where there’s nothing to do but sit with yourself, your thoughts, and your body without any distractions? So what to expect from a Vipassana meditation course?

It is not a retreat. It’s work.

The structure is strict, and discipline is essential. You hand in your phone, writing materials, and sign a form committing to follow the rules for 10 days. If you’re not ready, that’s okay, but don’t take a spot if you aren’t serious—waiting lists can be months long.

I’ve attached a picture of the rules so you can see exactly what you’re agreeing to. These rules aren’t there to limit you but to create the ideal conditions for deep meditation.

The Challenge: 10 Hours of Meditation a Day

I’ve also attached a picture of the daily schedule so you can see exactly what each day looks like. It may seem overwhelming, but once you settle in, it becomes easier.

The first day felt endless - like three days compressed into one. I had to nap between sessions just to make it through. Sitting for TEN HOURS a day? Oh my.

Day 1, 2 and 3 were difficult. My body ached, and my mind was so restless. I couldn’t sit still for more than 10 minutes. My mind wandered away after 2 breaths. It felt impossible to sit and meditate for 10 hours. I had so much pain.

Then, on day 4 in the evening, something shifted. I found a posture where my lower body didn’t hurt anymore - only my upper body. Suddenly, I could sit still for an hour without needing to move. That feeling was incredible.

From Day 5 onward, things changed. Meditation became interesting. I stopped forcing myself to concentrate. It just happened. It was so fascinating to concentrate on my body and to feel all those diverse sensations. 

By day 6 and 7, I could sit for over an hour in deep stillness. The days passed more quickly, and something clicked:

I was no longer reacting to every sensation. I had learned to observe without attachment—to neither crave pleasant feelings nor resist discomfort. Pain would arise and pass. Thoughts would come and go. Everything was temporary.

And that realization was powerful. Because if I could train my mind to remain equanimous in meditation, I could do the same in life. No longer a prisoner to every passing craving or aversion, but simply aware—watching, understanding, letting go.

What to expect from a Vipassana meditation course

Everyone’s experience is different. Everyone has to work for themselve and the realizations will be as diverse as the people. What you might expect:

• How much the mind jumps from thought to thought without us even noticing.

• How pain is not permanent—it arises and passes, just like emotions.

• How little we actually live in the present moment.

• That everything we seek will never come from the external world, but only from within

For me, the biggest takeaway was to live in the present by feeling ,myself more clear and listening to what it’s telling me.

Try it for Yourself

If you’re even slightly curious, I highly encourage you to check out Dhamma.org, find a course, and register.

For many, these 10 days are life-changing. I didn’t believe it at first, but I can only encourage you to experience it yourself.

I know it’s hard to take 10 days off. But your future self will thank you. It’s never a waste of time if you truly commit.

Would you attend a 10 day Vipassana Meditation course?

As always - if you have questions, would like to know more, just hit me up 🙂

Best,

Emely