Creating the perfect inner landscape for transformation
Your darkness retreat begins long before you step into our sanctuary. The weeks leading up to your immersion offer a precious opportunity to clear the pathways for profound transformation. While the depth of your preparation is entirely up to you, each step you take creates fertile ground for what wants to emerge from the depths of your being.
During our pre-retreat consultation, we'll explore your unique intentions and design a preparation approach that honors your specific journey into the unknown.
Substances & Stimulants For one week before your retreat, we invite you to gently release alcohol, drugs, smoking, and caffeine from your daily rhythm. These substances, while often companions in our ordinary world, can tether the mind to familiar patterns and prevent the delicate flowering that Darkness encourages.
If any of these are deeply woven into your routine, begin your gentle release at least four days prior. Think of this as creating spaciousness—clearing away the noise so you can hear the whispers of your deeper self.
Sacred Nourishment Certain foods become allies in maximising your Darkness experience. You'll receive a carefully curated preparation package detailing the specific nourishment that supports your journey, along with a complete guide of what to bring for your time in sanctuary.
Arrival (4pm onwards) Your transition begins the moment you arrive. There's unhurried time to arrange your personal space, familiarize yourself with the Darkness chamber, and practice moving with the eye mask that will become your gentle companion. This isn't just practical preparation—it's the first step in befriending the Darkness.
Over a shared evening meal, we'll sit together in conversation, addressing any questions and sensing into how you wish to be supported during your time in the void. Every detail matters in creating the perfect container for your unique unfolding.
When you feel ready, we'll guide you through a ceremonial entry into Darkness—not an abrupt plunge, but a reverent crossing from the world of light into the realm of inner illumination.
The Gentle Emergence Your return to the world begins with the soft glow of a single tea light candle, like the first star appearing at dusk. This gradual awakening honors the tender state of your consciousness as it readjusts to external light.
In the quiet morning hours, you'll have space to journal the whispers of your experience, letting insights settle into words before they fade like dreams. A nourishing breakfast and a contemplative walk help bridge your inner journey with the outer world before you depart by 11am (unless special arrangements have been made).
Integration Support The real alchemy often begins after you leave the Darkness. What emerged in the sanctuary needs tending in the light of ordinary life. We offer follow-up support through phone or video sessions, helping you weave the golden threads of your experience into the fabric of your daily existence.
This isn't just aftercare—it's honoring the sacred seeds that Darkness planted, ensuring they take root and flourish in the garden of your transformed life.
Your preparation is already a form of reverence—a way of saying yes to the mystery that awaits.
Your sanctuary experience, guided
Meals in the Void Twice daily, specially crafted vegetarian meals arrive through your chamber's discrete hatch—your only connection to the caring hands that tend to your journey. Each dish is thoughtfully designed to awaken your imagination, delight your heightened senses, support your body's natural cleansing process, and remain beautifully practical to enjoy without sight.
We honor all dietary preferences and requirements—simply share your needs, and we'll adapt your nourishment accordingly. Pure Berkey-filtered water flows whenever you request it, so bring your own bottle to stay hydrated throughout your transformation.
Beyond Eye Masks This isn't about wearing masks or coverings that press against your skin. We create absolute Darkness by sealing every window and light source in your sanctuary—a far more comfortable and immersive experience than any eye covering could provide.
Before your immersion begins, practice eye masks will help you learn to navigate your space with confidence, but once Darkness falls, you'll move freely without any barriers between you and the velvet night.
Bathing in Darkness You might be amazed at how naturally your body adapts to using the baths, showers, and bathrooms without sight. Your other senses become exquisitely attuned, guiding you with surprising ease through these daily rituals. What initially seems impossible soon becomes second nature.
The Practical Necessities Even the most intimate aspects of daily life—including toilet visits—are part of your complete immersion experience. You'll discover how remarkably adaptable you are. For practical reasons, men are asked to sit for all toilet activities, making the process smoother for everyone in the Darkness.
Movement as Medicine Your body will crave gentle movement and stretching during your time in sanctuary. Without regular movement, stiffness and discomfort can arise. If you don't have an established practice or would like guidance, we'll discuss movement options during your pre-retreat consultation.
Sacred Support Greg serves as your sole connection to guidance and assistance throughout your journey. Available 24 hours through a simple call button, he's your bridge between the void and the world of care that surrounds your experience. This sacred boundary protects your immersion while ensuring you're never truly alone.
Emergency contact details will be provided so loved ones can reach you if absolutely necessary, but otherwise, the outside world dissolves completely.
Your Protected Journey You'll have both a static call button and a wearable one, ensuring help is always within reach. Someone remains in the house at all times (though if they're sleeping, response may take a few minutes). Your door stays unlocked—you're free to emerge whenever you choose.
However, we strongly encourage reflection before leaving early. Often what feels like crisis in the Darkness transforms into breakthrough with gentle guidance. Remember that sudden light exposure can dramatically shift your consciousness, making driving unsafe for 30-60 minutes after emergence. Once you leave the darkness, the delicate state you've cultivated cannot be quickly recaptured.
Early departure doesn't qualify for refunds—this boundary protects both your commitment and our ability to serve others.
Emergency Protocols Share Greg's contact information with a trusted person who can reach you in true emergencies. All communication with the outside world flows through this protected channel, preserving your sacred immersion while maintaining essential safety connections.
What the Darkness Requires Before entering your sanctuary, we'll secure all light-emitting devices—phones, watches, laptops, torches—anything that could pierce the perfect Darkness. Even the tiniest LED light can shift your brain chemistry and alter your entire experience.
Small lights on essential toiletries can be carefully taped over, and we'll safely store your valuables, money, and keys if desired. This isn't deprivation—it's liberation from the constant pull of the illuminated world.
Every practical detail serves your deeper transformation. Trust the process, and let the darkness teach you what you never knew you could do.