Darkness Retreat Africa

The dark night of the soul comes just before revelation. When everything is lost, and all seems darkness, then comes the new life and all that is needed. – Joseph Campbell

The retreat into solitude and darkness is as old as human belief systems and appears across a whole breadth of religious and spiritual traditions, ancient and modern, from primitive shamanism, through classical myth, Hebrew prophets, the formative stages of Buddhism, Christianity and Islam, and is a thread that connects the mysticism found in all of these.

Forty days in the wilderness, the peace of an Celtic island hermitage, the depths of a Himalayan cave, and the shaman’s primitive space, away from the comforts of fire and daylight, offer a profound journey into communion with the Self, and what lies beyond.

Some of the great works of spiritual thought emerge from the darkness of the cave, the cell and the dark nights of the soul, whether it be from Isaiah, St John on Patmos, John Bunyan, or from the countless generations of Tantric scripts produced in Tibetan mountain caves by solitary sages.

The shamanic traditions are still live in indigenous cultures around the planet… and this wisdom forms, on the basis of time, the oldest and most widespread spiritual tradition on the planet, on all continents, back into the Palaeolithic, and the dawning of human consciousness.

Benefits

• Improved focus and cognitive function
• Increased feelings of well-being
• Reduced symptoms of stress and anxiety
• Improved sleep quality
• Improved emotional intelligence and mindfulness
• Increased creativity and inspiration
• Greater self-awareness and introspection
• Access to the subconscious mind
• Improved meditation and relaxation

Discoveries

• Limiting beliefs and patterns
• The power of the subconscious
• Inner wisdom and intuition
• Insights and understanding

Inspirations

• Reconnecting with nature and primal power of the body and senses
• Inner creativity
• Self-discovery and personal growth
• Spiritual development
• Increased Sensory perception
• Self-healing
• Connection with the cosmic consciousness
• Tapping into new dimensions of awareness

It is important to keep in mind that darkness retreats should be approached with care and caution, and that they may not be suitable for everyone.

It is also important to be mindful of safety precautions, please read through the ‘Things To Consider’ below.

The best way to benefit from the Darkness Retreat is to make rest your primary intention.

In complete relaxation the bodymind becomes most creative and will guide you to the most significant and deep areas of your body, psyche or spirit for restoration. If defined ahead of time, the journey is limited by your current knowing and perspectives.

In preparation for your retreat you will receive a questionnaire and information sheet. There will also be a call with the supporter of your retreat to answer your questions and ensure your readiness for the retreat.

We also offer two follow up calls after the retreat for integration and insight into your experience.

It can be beneficial to have some preparation, through research and an established practice eg. meditation, yoga, tai chi, etc.

It’s worth noting that before considering a darkness retreat, it is important to have realistic expectations and to be aware that it might not be suitable for everyone.

Some people may find the experience of being in complete darkness for a prolonged period of time uncomfortable or distressing.

It is important to listen to your own body and feelings, and not to push yourself beyond your limits.

It’s also crucial to be mindful of safety precautions, such as having a trusted companion or an emergency contact person, and to let them know about your retreat plans, and to make sure that you’re in a safe and secure environment.

“Tao and its many manifestations arise from the same source: subtle wonder within mysterious darkness. This is the beginning of all understanding.” Laozi

The Darkness Retreat is a physiological, symbolic, spiritual and emotional journey. The body naturally secretes the hormone melatonin in response to darkness. Melatonin not only helps regulate sleep and improve overall mood, but also can have a calming and meditative effect, allowing one to enter deeper states of awareness during the retreat.

The body also naturally secretes the psychedelic compound DMT in response to darkness. DMT is known for inducing powerful and transcendental experiences, and has been used in traditional spiritual practices for centuries.

The increased levels of DMT in the body during a Darkness Retreat can enhance the spiritual and symbolic journey, by providing a deeper sense of connection to the self and the infinite unknown.

Entering the Darkness one is aware of the journey into the infinite unknown, The tomb is a symbol of death and endings, representing the end of a cycle or the release of something that has served its purpose.

It can also symbolize transformation and transcendence, as death is often seen as a passage to a new state of being.

One dies to the old and enters the Labyrinth which seems endless, its pathways are unpredictable and the fear of being lost and never finding a way out is significant. The Hero’s journey into the darkness to find that which can be found no other way and to make discoveries that are life changing is offered by a Darkness Retreat.

When the levels of DMT rise in the darkness there is an enhanced sense of self-discovery and inner transformation, allowing a deeper understanding of oneself and one’s place in the world.

The womb can be understood as a place of safety and protection, where new life is nurtured and developed before it emerges into the world. The womb archetype can also represent the idea of the “Great Mother” a powerful figure who represents the source of all life as a powerful, nurturing, and protective force that guides and supports us.

It can also be associated with the idea of the “inner mother,” an inner nurturing and protective force. In the Darkness there is time and space to grow, create and dance in the primeval emptiness before form, allowing that which is yet hidden to come into being.

The increased levels of DMT and melatonin can further enhance the sense of safety and protection, as the psychedelic experiences can often lead to a feeling of being guided and supported, and the calming and meditative effects of melatonin can also promote a sense of inner peace and tranquillity.

At the end of the Darkness Retreat there is a rebirth, re-emerging to the light, newly resourced and knowing ourselves as the Hero, through an extraordinary journey.

Darkness retreats can be powerful and transformative experiences, but they should not be viewed as a cure-all or a magic solution for every problem.

They can provide valuable insights, but they are not a substitute for professional medical or psychological treatment.