We love sharing authentic stories and personal experiences of people who decided to slow down and give some time to themselves. Today we bring you an interview with a woman for whom darkness therapy became a path to deep regeneration, calm and a new outlook on life.
From a merry-go-round of duties to my inner self
I didn’t have any big expectations, I just felt drawn here. I told myself I’d listen to that and go. Inside I felt that I needed to be in the dark. Two years ago my daughter was born, and since then I’ve been living in a constant merry-go-round of duties and someone else’s needs. But my own needs had started calling me to turn towards my inner self. I’m so incredibly happy that I listened to those feelings.
Rest and deep relaxation of body and mind
Over three days I had a wonderful rest and caught up on all the sleepless nights. I could really feel the stress and tension I live with every day draining out of my body. The muscles all over my body let go and my head cleared. Suddenly I noticed I was just lying there not thinking about anything, which is incredibly rare for me, because normally I’m doing one thing and thinking about three others. A beautiful emptiness opened up there. I came into emotional balance, I feel warmth in my chest and somehow I feel light.
When frightening darkness becomes a kind embrace
The darkness was a wonderful participant in the whole experience. I was a little worried I’d be scared, the way children are in childhood or some people are as adults. But suddenly I felt so safe. As if the darkness had hugged me and told me I could stay here, I didn’t have to take care of anything, I had no tasks and didn’t have to do anything at all, just be. It was a magical moment and a surrender to nothing, something I’ve probably never experienced in my life. The frightening darkness became a kind darkness, and my relationship with it changed.
The way back to yourself in a fast-paced world
For the last two years I’ve been deeply immersed in caring for my family, and in that state it’s hard to find time for yourself. I don’t think it’s only mums who have this, but all working managers or students these days. We have little time to be with ourselves, and when we are alone, we scroll like maniacs, trying to switch off, but again we’re running away from ourselves. A dark retreat is a rare and simple way to get inside yourself and spend time with your thoughts and feelings.
Space for inspiration and movement, without boredom
In the whole three days there wasn’t a single moment when I was bored or didn’t know what to do. I found time to exercise, to dance, to have a good cry and to reflect. I listened to music and to spoken word. It actually felt terribly short to me. If I hadn’t been rushing home to my little daughter, I’d happily have welcomed another day or two. Inspiring thoughts started coming to me, ideas and solutions to things I hadn’t been able to crack before. It definitely wasn’t my last dark retreat, and next time the only thing I’ll be deciding is how long to go for.
An experience that opens your eyes and your heart
You don’t need to force anything in yourself, but you should be open, because you gain far more than you lose. It’s a quick way to heal, refresh yourself, rest and retune in a fast-paced world. The people it speaks to will be drawn to it and will listen to that inner voice. On my way here, something strange happened to me as well. At the main station I helped a man with a white cane who was trying to get onto an escalator. Later, when I was trying to get somewhere in the dark with the kettle, I remembered that similar feeling, when neither of us could see. It was a lovely synchronicity and an interesting way to put myself in the shoes of someone who can’t see and has to manage differently.
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