Mapping Neural and Phenomenological Effects of Dark Retreats

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Dark Cave, Bright Mind: Mapping Neural and Phenomenological Effects of Dark Retreat Practice

The Institute for Advanced Consciousness Studies (IACS), alongside Sky Cave Retreats, is investigating the neuroscientific and phenomenological effects of dark retreat practices. This research aims to bridge ancient wisdom with modern science by examining how sustained darkness impacts consciousness, well-being, and neural activity. The study will utilize EEG and peripheral measurements to provide the first comprehensive scientific characterization of the rapid psychospiritual transformation brought about by this ancient practice. By analyzing participants' phenomenology, impacts on well-being, and the underlying neural mechanisms, we aim to establish dark retreat as a distinct landmark on the landscape of non-ordinary experiences while illuminating its unique qualities and potential contributions to transformative practices.

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Dark retreat, an ancient contemplative practice gaining modern attention, involves spending time in complete darkness to facilitate profound shifts in perception and consciousness. NBA star Rudy Gobert described his experience as "meditation times a thousand." The practice puts participants in a dark environment that intentionally frustrates the expression of routine habits and perceptions. This temporary removal of visual input creates a unique contrast medium that allows practitioners to see and feel things normally lost in the light and busyness of daily life. Our research hypothesizes that the disproportionate healing benefits of dark retreat stem from a return to a fundamental state of unaltered consciousness, which we term the "reduction base of innate wholeness" - a core condition of human experience free from external stimuli and learned patterns. While over 17,000 studies exist on mindfulness and diurnal meditations, dark retreat remains largely unexplored scientifically, despite its emergence from secrecy as public figures discover and share its remarkable benefits.