Anxious about coming to a retreat? No Worries!
For some folks, the idea of sitting in a room full of people for the day can seem a bit overwhelming. Lots of people with social anxiety are interested in meditation. We want you to feel as comfortable as possible when you are with us. Here are some common questions people ask. If you don't find what you need here, please contact us. We want to help. For what to expect generally, read about what to expect at a retreat. To register for our next retreat, go to the retreat page.
What if I am late?
No worries! It’s not a big deal. People show up late all the time for all sorts of reasons. Just come in quietly and find a place to sit. You can also wait outside the door until we have one of our frequent breaks.
What if I have to leave early?
No worries! It’s not a big deal. If you leave during a break no one will even notice. Even if you have to leave suddenly, it’s not a problem.
What if I start to feel overwhelmed with all the people there?
No worries! You can always slip out and go for a short walk. It’s good to get outside from time to time anyway. You can also close your eyes where you are sitting and no one will bother you.
What if I start to have a panic attack?
No worries! It’s not a big deal. If you like you can stand up and leave the room for a few minutes at any time. People have to do that for a variety of reasons and it’s not a problem. Although our volunteers aren’t specially trained in these things, you can always ask them for help if you need it.
Will I have to talk to anyone?
No! We don’t do sharing circles or any activities that require personal interaction. Even the question and answer session is done by writing questions on slips of paper. Of course we love it when folks can chat and make new friends, but you don’t have to.
Will it be strange if I don’t talk to anyone during the breaks?
Absolutely not! If there is anywhere in Winnipeg that it is not strange to be silent, it is at our retreat. If you don’t want to talk, just close your eyes and the people around you will think you are meditating.
What if I don't want to wear a name tag?
No worries! It’s not a big deal. It's not required. Believe it or not, some people actually like wearing name tags.
I don't know very much about Buddhism or meditation? Will I stick out?
No! Not at all. Many people who attend have little or no knowledge of Buddhism or meditation. You'll actually fit right in.
What if I inadvertently do something impolite?
It's highly unlikely that you will, but if you do it’s not a big deal. There really isn't much you can do wrong. Even if you do, we won't hold it against you. Everyone is learning and we know for most people this will be the first time they come to a Buddhist activity.
What if I sign up but have to cancel?
No worries! It’s not a big deal. We know that people have unexpected things that come up. Just let us know.
What if I sign up, have to cancel, but then suddenly can attend after all?
No worries! It’s not a big deal. Just let us know. It’s not a problem.
What if I don't want a photo of me at the retreat posted on your website or social media?
One of the ways that we help people feel comfortable coming to retreats is by showing photos of what is going to happen. At the same time we understand that some people may not like having their photos on line. If you would like us to take down any photo you see on any of our sites, just send us a link and we will take it down. We promise we won't take it personally. We don't usually take photos at the events at our monastery on St. Mary's road, but at those you can feel free to mention to the monk leading the program that you would rather not have your photo taken.
Still have questions? You can contact us by email, info@BuddhistWinnipeg.org . You may also like to read about what to expect at a retreat.
Ready to sign up? Great! Go to our retreat page. Or check out one of the smaller activities we have at the monastery.
What if I am late?
No worries! It’s not a big deal. People show up late all the time for all sorts of reasons. Just come in quietly and find a place to sit. You can also wait outside the door until we have one of our frequent breaks.
What if I have to leave early?
No worries! It’s not a big deal. If you leave during a break no one will even notice. Even if you have to leave suddenly, it’s not a problem.
What if I start to feel overwhelmed with all the people there?
No worries! You can always slip out and go for a short walk. It’s good to get outside from time to time anyway. You can also close your eyes where you are sitting and no one will bother you.
What if I start to have a panic attack?
No worries! It’s not a big deal. If you like you can stand up and leave the room for a few minutes at any time. People have to do that for a variety of reasons and it’s not a problem. Although our volunteers aren’t specially trained in these things, you can always ask them for help if you need it.
Will I have to talk to anyone?
No! We don’t do sharing circles or any activities that require personal interaction. Even the question and answer session is done by writing questions on slips of paper. Of course we love it when folks can chat and make new friends, but you don’t have to.
Will it be strange if I don’t talk to anyone during the breaks?
Absolutely not! If there is anywhere in Winnipeg that it is not strange to be silent, it is at our retreat. If you don’t want to talk, just close your eyes and the people around you will think you are meditating.
What if I don't want to wear a name tag?
No worries! It’s not a big deal. It's not required. Believe it or not, some people actually like wearing name tags.
I don't know very much about Buddhism or meditation? Will I stick out?
No! Not at all. Many people who attend have little or no knowledge of Buddhism or meditation. You'll actually fit right in.
What if I inadvertently do something impolite?
It's highly unlikely that you will, but if you do it’s not a big deal. There really isn't much you can do wrong. Even if you do, we won't hold it against you. Everyone is learning and we know for most people this will be the first time they come to a Buddhist activity.
What if I sign up but have to cancel?
No worries! It’s not a big deal. We know that people have unexpected things that come up. Just let us know.
What if I sign up, have to cancel, but then suddenly can attend after all?
No worries! It’s not a big deal. Just let us know. It’s not a problem.
What if I don't want a photo of me at the retreat posted on your website or social media?
One of the ways that we help people feel comfortable coming to retreats is by showing photos of what is going to happen. At the same time we understand that some people may not like having their photos on line. If you would like us to take down any photo you see on any of our sites, just send us a link and we will take it down. We promise we won't take it personally. We don't usually take photos at the events at our monastery on St. Mary's road, but at those you can feel free to mention to the monk leading the program that you would rather not have your photo taken.
Still have questions? You can contact us by email, info@BuddhistWinnipeg.org . You may also like to read about what to expect at a retreat.
Ready to sign up? Great! Go to our retreat page. Or check out one of the smaller activities we have at the monastery.
