Very nervous first-timer!

Hi everybody!

I’m doing my first 10-day vipassana in a few weeks in Belgium, near the Dutch border. I looked the place up on google maps and it had many positive reviews but also quite a few negative ones saying that it was like a cult and was an awful experience.

Rationally I understand that not everyone is going to appreciate the retreat and I’m trying to go in with no expectations and an open mind but I am worried about not being able to handle it somehow. The closer the date comes the more nervous and apprehensive I get.

I meditate most days for 10-15 mins but obviously vipassana is something completely different. I wish I could bring a notebook to keep track of my experiences and jot down my thoughts.

Anyway, if anyone has any kind of realistic encouragement or thoughts to help me manage my expectations before I arrive, I would be very grateful!