Here is what typically happens and how to prepare.

Before the event

Read the program

Good organizers publish a schedule. Look at how long each practice lasts, whether there are breaks and whether the event includes talks, movement or silence.

Prepare your space (online events)

• A quiet corner where you will not be interrupted.
• A chair or cushion that lets you sit upright comfortably.
• Headphones, notifications off, phone in another room if possible.
• Test the video link a few minutes early.

Pack light (in-person events)

Comfortable clothes in layers, a water bottle, a notebook and whatever the organizer recommends. Leave the laptop at home if you can.

During the event

Expect a wandering mind

Your attention will drift, many times. Noticing that it drifted and coming back is the practice itself, not a failure.

Comfort matters

You can usually sit on a chair, change position or take a short break. Teachers prefer that you stay comfortable rather than push through pain.

Ask questions

Most events include time for questions. Beginners’ questions are often the most useful for everyone in the room.

After the event

The real value appears in the following weeks. Try to keep a short daily practice, even five or ten minutes, using what you learned. Many programs include recordings or follow-up sessions that help with this.

Choosing your first event

• Short formats, like a single session or a one-day workshop, are a low-risk start.
• Look for clear information about the teacher’s background.
• Prefer organizers with transparent pricing and refund policies.

Browse our Mindfulness Events category for selected online and in-person events.

Each format works for a different kind of person and a different moment. Here is how to choose.

Online meditation events

What they are

Live sessions or programs delivered over video, usually with a teacher guiding the practice in real time, sometimes followed by questions or group sharing. Many include recordings for people in other time zones.

Who they suit

• People with busy schedules who cannot take days off.
• Beginners who want to try guided practice before committing to a trip.
• Anyone who wants to build a daily habit over several weeks.

What to check

• Whether sessions are live, recorded or both.
• The time zone of the live sessions.
• Access period for recordings.
• Whether there is a community space to ask questions.

In-person meditation events

What they are

Workshops, day events and immersions held at a venue, from a few hours to several days. The group setting and the absence of daily distractions are a big part of the experience.

Who they suit

• People who struggle to practice at home because of interruptions.
• Those who want direct contact with a teacher.
• Anyone looking for a reset away from screens and work.

What to check

• What is included in the price: meals, accommodation, materials.
• The daily schedule and how much silence is involved.
• Cancellation and refund policy.
• Accessibility and any physical requirements.

Hybrid: the best of both

Some organizers now combine an online preparation phase with a shorter in-person meeting, or stream in-person events for remote participants. For many people this is the easiest entry point.

A simple rule

If your goal is a consistent daily habit, start online. If your goal is depth and a real break from routine, choose in person. Many people do both: a multi-week online program during the year and one in-person event when they can.

We regularly publish selected meditation events, online and in person, in our Mindfulness Events category.