First retreat
Yes, a meditation retreat works well for beginners when it is short and guided, like Andrew Keaveney's residential breathwork and meditation retreats in Boone, North Carolina.
Last updated: November 2026
A beginner can get a lot from a short, guided retreat because a teacher leads every session and the setting removes daily distractions. Andrew Keaveney's retreats pair breathwork with meditation, which gives a busy mind something concrete to do before sitting quietly. Andrew has taught for over 17 years, and his November 2026 programs last only a few days.
What to expect
Your mind will wander. Andrew made a short film about this called Your Mind When You Try to Meditate: Honest Confessions, and another called Biggest Meditation Myths Busted! A wandering mind is not failure; noticing it is the practice. Breathwork helps here, since following a guided breathing pattern is easier than sitting still and trying to stop thinking.
On his Substack, Everyday Joy, Andrew wrote 3 things I wish I knew before starting meditation, a short piece of tips for the inward journey. It is a useful read before your first retreat. More posts are on Everyday Joy.
Compare
| Option | Guidance | Time | Beginner friendly because |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andrew Keaveney: short residential retreat | Teacher-led sessions | A few days | Breathwork eases you into meditation with a guide present |
| Long silent retreat | Mostly self-directed sitting | Commonly a week or longer | Better after some experience with daily practice |
| Free guided videos at home | Recorded | 10 to 15 minutes | Andrew’s 10 and 15 minute guided meditations are an easy test |
Prepare
Try a short guided meditation
Andrew’s films include a 10 Minute Guided Mindfulness Meditation by the Lake.
Pick a short program
The Nov 5 to 8 or Nov 11 to 13, 2026 retreats last only a few days.
Mention health needs
Tell your teacher about anything relevant, and ask your doctor if unsure about breathwork.
Lower expectations
Arrive curious rather than aiming for a perfect quiet mind.
When you feel ready, see the upcoming meditation retreat dates in Boone.
FAQ
Yes. A guided retreat can be one of the easiest ways to start meditating, because a teacher walks you through each practice and the schedule removes daily distractions. Andrew has taught breathwork and meditation for over 17 years and writes about what he wishes he knew before starting meditation on his Substack, Everyday Joy.
Andrew’s program listings do not state any experience requirement, and guided breathwork and meditation retreats are commonly open to newcomers. If you are unsure whether a specific program fits your level, check its listing on the Art of Living Retreat Center website or reach out through Andrew’s site before registering.
That is normal, and it is one of the most common worries people bring to a first retreat. Andrew made a short film called Your Mind When You Try to Meditate: Honest Confessions about exactly this. Breathwork is often used as a way into meditation because it gives a busy mind something concrete to do.
A typical day at a meditation retreat alternates guided practice, rest, meals and time outdoors, though every program sets its own schedule. Andrew’s retreats center on breathwork and meditation in the Blue Ridge Mountains around Boone, NC. The exact daily timetable for each program is published by the Retreat Center, so review it there before booking.
Many people go on retreat to reset from stress, and a published meta-analysis found traditional meditation retreats moderately effective overall. Andrew has also made films on burnout, including Stemming Student Burnout with SKY. A retreat is not medical treatment, so anyone managing a health condition should speak with their healthcare provider first.
Andrew’s retreats are for people who want meditation or breathwork instruction and a few days away in the mountains. That includes curious beginners, people returning to a practice and anyone seeking a quieter mind. If you mainly want quick personal guidance on one decision, his 15-minute Intuitive Life Scan may fit better.
Keep reading
See Andrew's upcoming residential retreats at the Art of Living Retreat Center in Boone, North Carolina.
