Would you ever commit to a 10-day silent retreat—no phone, no communication with friends or family, just you and your thoughts? Sounds intense, right? Yung Pueblo, one of my favorite spiritual writers, swears by these retreats.

But I’ve also heard countless spiritual practitioners (some on this very podcast) say things like, “You don’t need a 10-day silent retreat to tap into your intuition” or “You don’t need to do a silent retreat to receive guidance.” And sure, that’s true… but what if you did do it? What would it be like? Would you lose your mind—or find yourself?

Fresh off his first-ever 10-day Vipassana meditation retreat, my best friend and YourBucketListGuide, Justin Walter is here to share all the details—the highs, the lows, the logistics (where exactly do they take your phone?) and the raw truths he faced as he sat with himself for 10 days.  

We originally planned to record this episode remotely, but in true Justin fashion, he hopped on a plane, flew 3,000 miles across the country—just one day after finishing the retreat—and showed up on my doorstep to record in person. (There’s a heartwarming reel on The Woo Report’s Instagram if you want to see my reaction!)

The big takeaway? Not only did Justin survive 10 days of noble silence, but he emerged transformed—gaining a new skill, a clear mindset, and a fresh perspective. And after 10 days of Nobel silence… he’s ready to talk.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The intake process and daily schedule
• Meals, accommodations, and the rules of noble silence
• The way Vipassana meditation is taught
• Strong Determination Meditation:  the practice of sitting completely still with no movement while meditating
• The mental marathon of sitting in silence
• Observing sensations without reacting to them 
• The Law of Impermanence and how attachment brings misery
• Why people go back and do it again
• How many people left during the 10 days
• How your brain feels after 10 days of deep meditation

Mediation Retreat Website

Justin’s Ayahuasca Retrea

"The Woo Report Podcast" explores all the unseen energies of the #universe and maps how this magic helps us grow and live better.

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Laura Scarpati is an Award-Winning filmmaker, producer and storyteller. After a life-changing NDE (Near Death Experience), Laura launched Chelsea Park Films, a boutique production house creating and supporting projects that spread light and encourage healing on all sides of the frame. By re-framing her trauma as an opportunity, Laura is now using her unique skillset to explore all the unseen energies of the universe and mapping how this magic helps support us all on The Woo Report Podcast.

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