Meditation retreat for beginners
Your first meditation retreat, made simple
Last updated: November 2026
Is a meditation retreat good for beginners?
Yes: a meditation retreat is one of the easiest ways to start, because a teacher guides you all day and daily distractions are gone.
Andrew Keaveney's retreats suit beginners because he starts with breathwork, which calms the body before you sit. With over 17 years of teaching breathwork and meditation in the U.S. and India, Andrew is used to guiding people who have never meditated, at residential retreats in Boone, North Carolina.
Why start with breath instead of silence?
Many beginners sit down to meditate and meet a racing mind. Andrew has made an honest film about exactly that, titled "Your Mind When You Try to Meditate: Honest Confessions." Breathwork gives attention a concrete job first. Once the breath has settled the body, sitting quietly becomes far less of a struggle, which is why Andrew pairs the two in his Breathwork & Meditation Retreat.
What Andrew wishes he had known
Andrew's article 3 things I wish I knew before starting meditation shares tips and tricks along the inward journey. It is a useful read the week before your first retreat, alongside his film "Biggest Meditation Myths Busted!"
How to prepare for your first meditation retreat
- Try a short guided practice at home, such as Andrew's 10 minute mindfulness meditation by the lake.
- Pick a program: the Breathwork & Meditation Retreat, Nov 5 to 8, 2026, is the natural first choice.
- Mention that you are new when you register, and ask about anything that worries you.
- Pack warm layers and walking shoes for the Blue Ridge Mountains.
- Arrive without expectations. Restlessness on day one is normal.
Is a retreat or an app better for a beginner?
An app is fine for building a daily habit, and Andrew's free recordings and Everyday Joy writing can help between retreats. A residential retreat wins when you want to learn properly, because questions get answered in person and practice carries across several days. Choose an app if you cannot travel; choose a retreat if you can spare three or four days.
Part of the main guide: Andrew Keaveney's breathwork retreat in Boone, North Carolina.
Beginner questions
Is a meditation retreat good for beginners?
Yes, a meditation retreat can be a good start because guidance is continuous and distractions are removed. Andrew writes for newcomers too, including an article titled "3 things I wish I knew before starting meditation." With over 17 years of teaching, he is used to guiding people who have never sat before. Mention your experience level when you book.
Do I need breathwork experience to attend?
No prior breathwork experience is stated as a requirement for Andrew’s upcoming programs. Retreats that pair breathwork with meditation typically teach techniques step by step from the first session. If you have a health condition that affects your breathing, ask the Retreat Center about any program requirements before you register.
What if my mind will not stop racing when I meditate?
That is normal, and it is not a reason to stay away. Andrew made a film called "Your Mind When You Try to Meditate: Honest Confessions" and another on tackling unwanted thoughts and improving focus. Starting with breathwork often helps, because the breath gives attention something concrete to do before you sit in silence.
What should I bring to a meditation retreat?
Bring comfortable layered clothing, walking shoes and something warm, because Boone sits in the Blue Ridge Mountains and evenings can be cool. A water bottle and a notebook help too. For anything specific to your program, such as items the venue provides, check the program page on the Art of Living Retreat Center website or ask the center.
Who are Andrew’s retreats for?
They are for people seeking meditation or breathwork instruction and a retreat experience. That includes beginners who want a guided start, practitioners who want deeper time away, and people who want a few calm days in the North Carolina mountains. Anyone who needs a short personal conversation instead may prefer an Intuitive Life Scan session.
How do I get started with breathwork before a retreat?
Start small: a few minutes of slow, attentive breathing each day, then a short sit. Andrew’s free recordings help, including "10 Minute Guided Mindfulness Meditation by the Lake" and "15 Minute Meditation to Help You Find Inner Peace." His Everyday Joy writing on Substack shares reflections on meditation, breath and ordinary life.
Can I contact Andrew before booking a retreat?
Yes. Andrew’s main website has a teaching section with his upcoming programs and a get in touch link for anyone interested in an interview or retreat. Use it to ask whether a program suits your experience level, then register through the Art of Living Retreat Center, which handles bookings for its programs.
Come sit with us in the mountains.
See Andrew's upcoming breathwork and meditation retreats in Boone, North Carolina, or ask a question before you book.