Refueling the Mind: My Journey Back to Meditation in Northern Thailand

A few days ago, I had the opportunity to step away from the noise and demands of everyday life and attend a Buddhist meditation retreat in Northern Thailand. It was not my first experience with this kind of retreat. In fact, I first participated in one over 30 years ago in the very same region. Returning now felt both familiar and necessary, like reconnecting with something essential.

Some people have asked me, "Gail, why are you doing these things?" The truth is, I am on a personal journey. I am reflecting, recharging, and turning my focus inward. There is so much going on around us, both globally and personally. In the midst of all that, it is important to have tools that help us stay steady. Tools that help us not only in tough times, but also when life is going well. Because it is during the calm that we prepare for the storm.

This retreat gave me the space to reinforce my meditation practice. We explored both formal and informal forms of meditation. Formal meditation involves sitting, often cross-legged, in focused stillness. Informal meditation includes moments throughout the day when you can be present and aware, no matter where you are. We learned techniques for walking meditation, chair meditation, and more. The idea is to make mindfulness something you can carry with you into everyday life.

Our retreat leader was Phra KK, a monk with a modern and relatable approach. He did not teach to convert anyone to Buddhism, but rather to help us understand its teachings and the importance of balance. One of the ideas he shared that stood out to me was how much time we spend on the outer self. We care for our appearance, our clothes, our diet, our schedules. Yet we often overlook the care needed for our mental wellbeing. Meditation, he said, is a form of mental training. It helps us regain control and clarity, especially when life feels overwhelming.

The retreat combined teaching, discussion, and practice. It was structured and thoughtful, but also deeply personal. It reminded me of the importance of grounding myself, not just with knowledge, but through real, consistent practice.

This experience was a return to something I already valued, but it also offered new insights. We all need tools to keep us balanced and centred. These tools may come in the form of meditation, prayer, mindful eating, journaling, movement, or something else that keeps us connected to our inner life.

I have shared some photos from the retreat. The monks took them, and I hope they capture a bit of the peace and presence we experienced.

So I ask you: what are your tools? Are you using them?

First, recognise that you need them.

Second, identify the ones that work for you.

And third, use them regularly and with intention.

Take care of your inner self. Stay present. Stay balanced.