I’m thinking of going on a camping trip for 7 to 30 days sometime in the future to meditate alone in the forest, practice the ascetic life, and to gain experience living in the forest to prepare for when I ordain. I’m thinking of practicing kasina meditation and Buddhanusati. I think this could be very beneficial for me and I could make a lot of merit because it will build the habit of renunciation and practicing an ascetic life even if it’s only temporary. Even thinking about it makes me happy.
I tried a home retreat but I thought it was challenging. I imagine it would be even tougher in nature. Maybe a more structured retreat might be better for beginners. However, if you’re already advanced in your practice, it’s fine.
I don’t think a home retreat works for me because I always feel drowsy.
I feel like my body has become soft due to living in comfort for pretty much my entire life so far.
I guess it’s easier to be alert and awake in nature because we have to be cautious. It’s not as safe as living in a home, so we can be mindful of death.
I’m still a beginner in meditation. I still haven’t gotten past drowsiness. I wish I can get to the point where I could say that I am advanced in my practice but I am not.
In nature, I guess I could meditate without distractions and outside of my meditation, I could do activities like setting up the place, walking long distances and other activities to keep my body fit.
You have very lofty goals. Why not do something in the immediate future that is attainable. Try a 2 day retreat by camping as you say.
Goenka is a good place to start. It is not so bad, and the facilities are good. Shelbourne Falls, MA is not so far from NY. It is a good stepping stone to Theravāda.
There are plenty of centers on the East Coast of USA as well as some monasteries that will let you stay if you ask them.