Frazzled by a daily diet of coronavirus stress and divisive politics, Truett Davis signed up for a weeklong silent retreat.

Unplugging from life in a serene forest or mountainside refuge, though, wasnt an option during the pandemic. Ill be sitting in front of my Zoom camera with my eyes closed, said Mr. Davis, a 26-year-old New Orleans yoga instructor, shortly before he stopped talking last month.

Avoiding distractions is essential to silent meditation retreats. In pre-pandemic days, participants typically had to give up all talking and technology, eat simply and focus on their inward journeys. Now, zenning out at home can present a far bigger challenge. No idle chitchat with family members. No alcohol. No sex. No Netflix .

Mr. Davis made it easier for himself by driving 500 miles away and hunkering down in an unoccupied house owned by his parents. He predicted one of the tough parts would be to avoid belting out tunes in the shower. I didnt cheat, he said after he resumed speaking.

Others have rented hotel rooms, Airbnbs or recreational vehicles to get away from temptations. Yet some say there are advantages to staying in a bedroom with the door shut. If they can hone their concentration skills while people clang pots in the kitchen and leaf blowers blare outside, they might be able to keep that inner peace longer.

More:

Silent Meditation Retreats Move Homeand Real Life Intrudes - The Wall Street Journal