In this episode of the Mindful Humble podcast, mindfulness practitioner Trung Nguyen interviews yoga instructor Bel Moore, exploring her journey through a vipassana meditation retreat. Bel recounts her initial draw to vipassana, influenced by years of yoga and a desire for deep introspection. She describes her minimal preparation for the retreat, emphasizing her need for an immersive, contemplative experience away from her routine in Florida. Bel opens up about challenges during the retreat, such as surrendering her identity tied to movement and overcoming aesthetic concerns tied to her profession as a dancer and gymnast. She reflects on vipassana’s effects, describing a profound mental and physical transformation. The retreat slowed her down to a point where she became deeply aware of the small wonders in nature, an appreciation that has persisted. A pivotal theme throughout the episode is Bel’s practice of "surrender." She links this to her meditation practice and how it later helped her during her battle with cancer. Techniques she learned, like acceptance and the concept of impermanence, played a vital role in coping with her treatment. Trung and Bel also discuss the importance of mindfulness, with Bel emphasizing meditation's potential to transform one’s life even without formal training. Bel’s insights, rooted in her experiences, make this episode a compelling listen for those interested in meditation, mindfulness, and the healing power of self-awareness. Follow Bel on Instagram at www.instagram.com/belmoore/ #vipassana #vipassanaexperience #vipassanameditation #mindfulness #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #meditation #belmoore