I think the most important part is finding health and a balanced mind through diet, exercise, and healthy relationships. Without that balance, walking the Eight-Fold-Path will be very difficult. Meditation is almost impossible without good mental and physical health. I did a year of PTSD therapy before I went to my first retreat and I wasn't on any type of psychiatric drugs.

Also one needs good teachers and guides, the mind has no edges, no limits, exploring it can be dangerous without proper instruction and good mental health.

I had to say that just in case someone decides to take a vipassana retreat...sitting in the mind, riding the subtle breath and you can't move to distract yourself when boredom or old conditioning rears it's ugly head...it can be dangerous.

But then again, life is pretty dangerous and insane too!

I wish health and happiness to your and yours @theguruasia <3