Introduction to Darkness

“Introduction to Darkness” is an intimate meditation retreat for people who already have experience of regular practice, have participated in mindfulness courses, contemplative practices, or at least one silent retreat.

Darkness has for centuries been used in contemplative traditions as a space for quieting, limiting excessive stimuli, and turning attention inward. During the meeting, however, it will not be treated as an extreme experience or an attempt to push personal boundaries. The retreat has been designed as a gentle and gradual preparation for conscious practice in darkness.

For two days participants will practice in silence, using seated meditation, mindful movement, breathwork, self‑compassion exercises, and practices with an eye‑covering mask. The central element of the program will be an approximately 90‑minute meditation session in a yurt, taking place in as complete darkness as possible. The practice will be preceded by appropriate preparation and followed by time dedicated to integrating the experience.

Limiting visual stimuli allows one to more clearly notice the breath, signals coming from the body, tensions, emotions, and the way the mind reacts to silence and the absence of images. The goal of the meeting is not to seek extraordinary states of consciousness, but to develop mindfulness and a more conscious contact with one’s own experience.