Darkness retreats allow you to answer the vital question: what are you left with when all external distractions and validations are stripped away? Every experience is unique, but here’s what you can definitely expect from your first retreat: a one to seven day experience to connect with yourself truly and deeply, free of all ties and obligations to daily life.
A darkness retreat, like the ones we offer at The Shadow Calling, can be an extraordinary part of one's transformational journey. Many people have tried yoga retreats, spiritual retreats, mindfulness retreats, and/or medicinal retreats, but it's possible that a darkness retreat may be perfect for your particular healing journey. A day in complete darkness can seem daunting, but the opportunity to spend time with your shadows is a gift that, once granted, can unlock deep wells of inner healing and purity.
Meditation Shelters 101
At The Shadow Calling, we have three fully-equipped meditation shelters. Each shelter includes a comfortable space to meditate along with a bed and shelves/drawers for storage of personal items. We provide hot towels with essential oils delivered daily, and 24/7 communication capabilities for any extra accommodations or emergencies. For hygienic needs, there is a Swiss waterless toilet and a fresh water cleansing sink.
Though the shelters are completely dark, we do also provide a Mindfold Blindfold to prevent exposure to small light leaks in the front portions of the shelters. Because we take care of everything for you, there is no need to spend energy on daily menial tasks. The time is yours and yours alone to spend with yourself.
Additionally, the temperature of the meditation shelters is kept at 70 degrees. It is important to accept that your energy will drastically fluctuate your internal temperature. There is no way to keep the room at a temperature synchronistic to your feelings. The room is fully equipped with extra pillows, blankets and towels to aid in comfort needs.
Preparing Your Mind and Body Prior to Your Darkness Therapy Retreat
During your retreat, we provide you with all the nutrition you need, including three raw vegan meals a day (plus snacks) thanks to our partnership with Cafe Gratitude of Kansas City. That being said, it is highly encouraged to start preparing yourself physically, mentally, and spiritually for at least 10 days prior to your retreat.
Physically, this means sticking to a vegetarian, vegan, or raw vegan diet akin to the meals provided for you in the shelter. Spiritually, this means that if you don’t already have one, you should begin a daily meditation practice. Additionally, make an attempt to resolve any concerning issues in your personal life before you arrive. All suggested preparations help to ensure you arrive in a safe, expansive state of mind and that you have a smooth transition into the darkness.
What do I do during a Darkness Therapy Retreat?
How you spend your time in the darkness is completely up to you and should be based on your particular desires and needs. Meditation of any form, including yoga, Osho, prayer, Qigong, or breathwork is highly encouraged. A clients’ chosen daily meditation practice before their retreat usually aligns with their practice during, but it’s important to remember that you are free to let the shadows lead you to whatever practice calls you during your stay.
Integration After Your Retreat
The retreat itself is a solo journey, but we will be there to guide you in and out of the darkness. On the day you emerge from the shelter, we host a rebirth ceremony at dawn to begin your reintegration. We want to ensure that coming into the light again is a magical experience for every client. Once your stay is complete, it is recommended that you honor your journey by giving yourself a slow transition back into your normal routine.
Just as every human is unique, every experience during a darkness retreat yields unique results. Clients have reported a number of differences after their stays: renewed energy, newfound peace, revitalized creativity, a better appreciation of life, heightened awareness, and excitement and motivation for the future, to name a few. No matter what your transformation looks like, you will leave this retreat with a deeper connection to your soul and spirit. When you take time to sit with the darkness as well as the light, the benefits can be endless.