What happens when you remove all distractions—no phone, no talking, no eye contact—for 10 straight days and are left completely alone with your thoughts?
In this milestone 60th episode of the Willpower Podcast, I’m going solo to share the raw, honest truth of what it was like to attend a 10-day Vipassana meditation retreat. No guests this time—just me, my mind, and everything that surfaced in that silence. This experience broke me down, challenged every part of me, and forced me to confront pain, boredom, past regrets, and the patterns that usually stay buried under noise.
But what came out of that silence was equally powerful: clarity, calm, and a deeper understanding of who I am and how I want to live. From physical discomfort to mental breakthroughs, this retreat taught me lessons that go far beyond the cushion—lessons in equanimity, discipline, and the strength it takes to sit still when everything inside wants to run.
Whether you’re curious about meditation, feeling burnt out, or searching for something deeper, I think this episode will give you a perspective shift you didn’t know you needed.
Timestamps
0:00 – Intro & Why I Went
00:44 - Why I'm Doing a Solo Episode
03:00 - What a Vipassana Retreat Looks Like
08:11 - Lessons in Pain and Meditation
10:06 - Equanimity: How to Stay Calm Through Pain
13:01 - When Meditation Gets Really Hard
17:00 - Acceptance vs. Anticipation
20:30 - Loopholes and Self-Discipline at the Retreat
23:49 - Reflections and Processing the Past
25:45 - Why You Should Try a Vipassana Retreat
27:15 - Final Thoughts and Solo Podcast Goals
🧠 Topics Covered:
✅ What a 10-day Vipassana retreat actually looks like
✅ The power of equanimity and how to practice it
✅ Learning to sit with pain—and what it teaches you
✅ How silence helps you revisit and process the past
✅ Why craving and aversion are at the root of suffering
✅ The mental tricks your mind plays—and how to see through them
✅ How to maintain discipline when no one is watching
✅ Continuing the practice in everyday life
Keywords: vipassana, vipassana retreat, silent meditation, 10 day vipassana, 100 hours meditation, meditation retreat, vipassana experience, william mulvaney, willpower podcast, meditation journey, mindfulness, personal growth, equanimity, awareness meditation, silent retreat, inner peace, spiritual growth, meditation challenge, mental clarity, overcoming discomfort, discipline, stillness, no talking retreat, how to meditate, vipassana explained, what is vipassana, meditation practice, self reflection, life changing retreat.
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Hey there! I’m William, and this channel is all about self-control, willpower, and making choices today that lead to a better future, all while enjoying life. If you're looking to build stronger habits, stay motivated, and push through challenges, you're in the right place!
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