Meditation retreat in the Swiss Alps

Last month I attended a four-day silent meditation retreat in the Engadin valley, and I'm still processing the experience. It was transformative.

The schedule was simple: wake at 5:30, meditate, eat mindfully, walk in nature, meditate more, sleep. No phones, no books, no conversation. Just you and your thoughts — which, let me tell you, is both terrifying and liberating.

By day two I was climbing the walls. My mind was racing, I missed my phone, and I seriously considered leaving. But by day three, something shifted. The mental chatter quieted, and I started to actually hear the mountain — the wind, the water, the birds. It sounds cliché, but it was profound.

If you're considering a meditation retreat, here's my advice: commit to the full duration. The magic doesn't happen on day one. Also, start with a shorter retreat (2-3 days) if you're new to meditation. And pack warm layers — mountain mornings are cold!