Everyone who comes to us for darkness therapy takes away an experience of their own. Some are looking for calm, some for answers, others simply want a proper rest. A dark retreat often surprises people with how simple and how deep it is at the same time. This time we are sharing the experience of one participant who decided to stop for a while and be alone with himself, free of distractions.
The way to calm and silence
I liked it a lot. The setting alone and the calm all around had something about them. I realised how much I miss silence in everyday life. I’d been through a hard stretch – always work or something at home, my head running at full speed. Here I finally switched off.
I do find time for myself at home now and then, but this is something else entirely. In darkness therapy you rest much more deeply. You don’t have to deal with anything, nobody wants anything from you. You just are.
The first days and deep rest
For the first two days I slept a lot. I fell asleep almost as soon as I arrived, and then again after eating. My body took exactly what it needed. Little by little I felt everything slowing down.
On the third day I didn’t sleep as much. I mostly just lay there, rested or walked around. I’d had enough sleep, naturally. It was a strange feeling, but a pleasant one. I hadn’t felt that kind of calm in a long time.
Thoughts that come on their own
I wasn’t bored for a moment. There was always something to think about. I was either eating, thinking, or just noticing what was going on inside me. A dark retreat gives you space to reflect without interruption.
I’ve always liked being on my own, but here I got to know it at a much deeper level. No phone, no people, no noise. Just me and my thoughts.
What darkness therapy gave me
It confirmed a lot of things for me. I realised I’m heading in the right direction in life. That calm helped me sort out my priorities.
Darkness therapy showed me that sometimes very little is enough. To stop, be in silence and give yourself some space.
A message for you
If you’re thinking about it, don’t be afraid. I had my worries at the start too. Turning off the light and staying in the dark doesn’t feel entirely natural. But once you do it, it starts to make sense.
It’s a bit like jumping into cold water. You have to pluck up the courage. Then you find out it was worth it.
We have put together the most frequently asked questions that people ask before a dark retreat.
You can also follow our YouTube channel, where you will find videos about dark retreats and experiences of darkness therapy. 🔔
