Rest matters in its own right
A 2016 residential study compared vacation and meditation experiences and reported well-being changes alongside molecular measures. Its findings included a substantial effect of time away shared across groups. Read Epel and colleagues’ study.
Changes in biological markers should not be translated into promises of disease reversal, longevity or a guaranteed outcome from a private retreat. The study does, however, make it worth paying attention to ordinary relief from daily demands.
What follow-up can add
A 2021 observational study compared retreats and vacations. At ten-week follow-up, meditation retreats and vacations including meditation were associated with greater mindfulness and lower fatigue than vacations without meditation. Because participants were not randomly assigned to these experiences, the results show associations rather than proving which element caused them. Read the study.
The question of what people continue doing afterward is especially relevant. A memorable week and a usable ongoing practice are related possibilities, but they are not the same outcome.
Combining practices thoughtfully
There is no need to claim that sound, breath, energy work and guided imagery multiply one another’s clinical effects to design a coherent experience. Their practical roles can differ: sound for listening, guidance for reflection and silence for rest.
For your own planning, ask whether each element has a purpose and whether the schedule leaves enough space. More activity can undermine the very pause you are seeking.
From a mountain visit to an ordinary week
An Aspen retreat can give you time away from familiar demands, but the plan for returning deserves equal attention. What needs to change at home for quiet time to remain possible? Who can support that change?
Whether you live in Colorado or travel internationally, decide what you want to observe over the following weeks: a more workable evening, time for a relationship or a practice you genuinely look forward to. Those are useful personal markers without pretending they are clinical trial results.
Sources & further reading
These sources distinguish study findings from the practical reflections in this article.
- Epel et al. (2016): meditation and vacation effectsResidential study
- Blasche et al. (2021): meditation retreats and vacationsObservational comparison
About this reading
A selected overview of the linked evidence, with practical interpretation for readers exploring this topic. It is not a systematic review or a clinical assessment.
Learn about Lauren and the practice