Choose your first meditation course by looking at what it teaches, whether you can attend every session and where you will be able to give it your attention. The word “meditation” alone does not tell you whether a course focuses on breathing practices, mantra meditation or a silent retreat. Start with what you want to learn, then compare the arrangements for specific groups.
Where should a complete beginner start?
Ask yourself a simple question: are you looking for a guided introduction to a practice, or do you want to spend a few days away from everyday routines? For the first, look for a clear learning programme and opportunities to ask the teacher questions. For the second, consider travel, accommodation and the rhythm of the whole stay as well.
You do not need to promise yourself a particular feeling by the end of the course. A more useful starting aim is to discover the method, ask about anything unclear and understand how you could continue afterwards. Ask the teacher what the first session involves and how to prepare.
Art of Living Part 1, Sahaj Samadhi and silence courses: what is the difference?
Art of Living Part 1 is an introductory programme combining breathing practices, Sudarshan Kriya™ (SKY), guided meditation and gentle yoga. The official Lithuania description specifies three consecutive days of about three hours each, for adults aged 18 and over. You may also see the names Happiness Program, Art of Breathing or, in Lithuanian, Laimės programa and Kvėpavimo menas.
Sahaj Samadhi is a separate meditation course that teaches a practice using a personal mantra. It is a different method from Sudarshan Kriya. If that is what you want to learn, look for a group specifically described as Sahaj Samadhi.
Art of Living Part 2, or the Art of Silence, is another programme. Its official description requires participants to have completed Part 1. A weekend in nature that includes Part 1 is a different format from this silence course. The Labas Noras meditation and breathing course page introduces Part 1.
Should you join live online or travel to an in-person course?
Online can be a practical choice if you have a quiet space at home and can set aside every session in full. Think beyond the internet connection: will you need to care for children, answer work calls or share the room? A live online course has fixed start and finish times, so put it in your diary as a meeting with a teacher.
In person may suit you if a shared group routine helps you focus and you would like a different setting for learning. Allow for travel and rest as well as teaching hours. If you are staying overnight, agree accommodation, meals and arrival arrangements beforehand. The course timetable alone does not define the arrangements for the whole visit.
Choose the format in which you can realistically give the sessions your attention and take part without competing commitments.
Can you set aside all three days?
Before registering, put every session in your calendar, rather than just the course start date. Leave yourself time to get ready beforehand and avoid having to rush away afterwards. If you cannot attend one of the days, discuss that with the teacher before choosing the group.
If joining from abroad, check the time difference for the actual course dates. Labas Noras course schedules use Lithuanian time (Europe/Vilnius), which changes between summer and winter time. Confirm the teaching language separately: an English event page does not establish that the sessions will be taught in English.
What should you check before registering?
- The programme: what is its exact name, and is it intended for beginners?
- Times and language: can you attend every session and understand the teacher’s instructions?
- Preparation: what will you need for practice, how will you join online or when should you arrive?
- Your stay: what happens outside formal teaching hours, and which arrangements need to be agreed separately?
- Continuing afterwards: what guidance on home practice and follow-up sessions is available?
Discuss any circumstances relevant to your participation with the teacher beforehand. Learn the breathing techniques in the guided sessions; this article is intended to help you choose a course.
The next step: compare specific groups
Open the upcoming meditation courses and compare all three days’ session times, the format and the location. Each group’s page has a registration link and a contact for questions. If you are arranging a creative day together for your own group, you can also explore the cultural workshops for adults, another way to spend time together at Labas Noras.