Embracing the Unknown: The Profound Journey of Darkness Retreats

For most of us, the thought of entering complete darkness for days at a time evokes a mix of curiosity, fear, and intrigue. In our modern world, where distractions are endless and light is omnipresent, the idea of willingly immersing oneself in total darkness feels foreign, even extreme. But in truth, darkness retreats have ancient roots, offering a powerful pathway to deep self-exploration and healing.

Recently, I had the privilege of speaking with Scott Berman, a seasoned guide in the realm of darkness retreats. Over the past four and a half years, he has facilitated profound experiences for nearly 500 individuals, guiding them through the unknown and into themselves. Our conversation unraveled the depth of this practice, from its historical significance to its transformative effects on the mind and body.

What is a Darkness Retreat?

At its core, a darkness retreat is a practice where an individual enters total darkness, often in a soundproof space, for an extended period. Participants are removed from all external stimuli, allowing them to deeply connect with their inner world. At Sky Cave Retreats, where Scott facilitates, the most common duration is three to four days, though in the past, people have stayed for weeks or even months.

Historically, various cultures across the globe have practiced forms of darkness immersion. The Kogi people of Colombia, for example, keep chosen children in the dark for the first several years of their lives, preparing them to become spiritual leaders. The Greeks, Egyptians, Tibetans, and indigenous Australians also had similar traditions, using caves and enclosed spaces to cultivate wisdom and inner vision.

What Happens in the Dark?

When someone first enters a darkness retreat, they typically experience a significant melatonin surge, leading to deep rest and relaxation. However, after this initial phase, the real journey begins.

The darkness removes the ability of the mind to scan for external threats, triggering an internal stress response. Without distractions, participants must confront their own nervous system's fight, flight, or freeze reactions.

For some, this manifests as fear, anxiety, or even dissociation. Others experience a strong urge to romanticize their life outside, distracting themselves with thoughts of loved ones and future plans. Yet, those who surrender to the process often find themselves moving beyond these initial responses into profound stillness, self-awareness, and clarity.

Navigating the Inner Landscape

One of the most profound insights from our conversation was how deeply ingrained coping mechanisms can surface in the dark. Many participants unknowingly enter states of freeze, mistaking numbness for relaxation.

Others experience the "flight" response through hours of mental rumination. These unconscious patterns become strikingly clear in the dark, offering a rare opportunity to witness them without external noise.

Through somatic support and guidance, individuals learn to recognize these responses, not as something to escape, but as doorways to deeper self-connection. By grounding themselves in their bodies—feeling the weight of their limbs, the texture of the bed, or the presence of their breath—they find a way through the discomfort and into genuine presence.

The Power of Simplicity

One of the most surprising takeaways from Scott’s experience is how simple yet profound the process can be. Unlike some portrayals of darkness retreats as a psychedelic-like experience filled with DMT releases and visions, the most transformative moments often arise from the mundane. A person learning to sit in stillness, feel their body fully, or recognize a hidden layer of fear can have a life-altering impact.

It’s not about chasing peak experiences—it’s about subtracting distractions and allowing what is already there to emerge. Some of the most spiritually disconnected individuals—those without meditation or plant medicine experience—have, paradoxically, had the deepest breakthroughs simply by being fully present with themselves.

Preparation and Integration: A Crucial Component

A darkness retreat is not something to enter lightly. Preparation is key to making the most of the experience. Scott recommends reading It’s Not Always Depression, a book that explores how core emotions get masked by anxiety and shame—two feelings that surface often in the darkness. Journaling about expectations, practicing somatic awareness, and simply lying down and noticing how the body feels supported are also helpful tools to begin the journey before ever stepping into the dark.

On the other side of the experience, integration is just as essential. The effects of the retreat are not meant to be clung to, but rather carried forward in an organic way. Through post-retreat somatic sessions and group calls, participants learn to ground their insights into everyday life without the pressure of maintaining a particular state.

Why Do We Fear Ourselves?

Perhaps the biggest question a darkness retreat brings to light is: why are we so afraid to be with ourselves? In a culture that prioritizes productivity, achievement, and external validation, sitting alone in the dark with nothing but our own thoughts and emotions can feel terrifying.

But as Scott pointed out, much of that fear stems from a lack of permission. We are not taught to feel fear, sadness, or vulnerability; instead, we learn to suppress and override them. In the dark, without societal mirrors reflecting back who we should be, we are simply left with who we are. And within that lies an immense freedom.

A Final Reflection

For those who feel drawn to this experience, Scott offers a simple yet profound invitation: What is the most important thing? What feeling, truth, or knowing is at the core of your being? And how can you create space to lean into that, not just in the dark, but in everyday life?

Because ultimately, darkness retreats are not about enduring, achieving, or transforming. They are about returning—to the body, to presence, and to the deepest, most unfiltered version of yourself. And perhaps, in that surrender, we find a light that has been within us all along.