Hi Saint,
Well I no longer live with them, so it's not bad really. It just so happens there are maybe 3-4 witness households in my immediate area though. I had dinner with those guys the other week, so I don't think I've been marked in any way. (though I haven't said anything to warrant it anyway) For the most part though, the other ones who lives on my block and around here don't approach me. Actually, I think they just kind of forgot and not think too much about it, I wasn't a "prominent" witness.
Yes it was a Vipassana retreat. I can tell you more about it via email, but the effect was basically a non-dual experience. (I hadn't heard of that expression until later) I think it served to fully process the JW experience, especially since I found this board afterwards. Although I had some knowledge by that time, there is a difference between processing it cognitively and seeing things clearly.. But a change in my view of reality would naturally change the view of JWs and myself.
The place I went to is not very strict in terms of adhering to the program, and also you might do something like a week long retreat. I think that can be good or bad, it all depends on your personality. I know traditional vipassana can be quite rigorous and systematic. But even if you don't stick to the program 100%, (which I didn't) just being in that environment with the silence would help.