048 | BE and Allow What Is with Darkness Therapy: A Substance-Free Psychedelic w/ Scott Berman (Sky Cave Retreats)
“I love the darkness. There’s no teacher, there’s no teaching. You get to authentically see what’s most important to you. It’s a real authentic connection to self.”
Subscribe and leave a review!
Donate to the podcast here.
Today we are going to be exploring something that is on the cutting edge of spirituality and personal growth these days: darkness retreats. This consists of spending three to ten days in the pitch darkness and solitude. It’s a profound experience that is very psychedelic (without the substances).
It comes as no surprise that darkness therapy is an ancient modality that has been used by ancient indigenous peoples across the globe. Only recently has it reached North America, and the founder of the first darkness retreat in America is today's guest.
Scott Berman is the creator and founder of Sky Cave Retreats. Throughout the last decade, he has spent over two years in self-guided solo retreats in remote wilderness. He did his first dark retreat in 2012 and has spent over 70 days in multiple darkness retreats and has also done a couple with his wife. He has supported and facilitated over 250 dark retreats at his center in Ashland, Oregon.
We talk about the similarities and differences between darkness medicine and plant medicine, endogenous DMT production in the darkness, redefining spirituality, and so much more.
Topics covered in this episode:
What darkness retreats are & the ancient indigenous roots
Reasons why someone might want to go into the darkness
How the darkness teaches us to simply be, allow, rest, and surrender
Releasing & redefining what spirituality is “supposed to” look like
How a darkness retreat generally unfolds & common learnings from the darkness
How the darkness humbles us and challenges the spiritual ego
Similarities and differences between darkness medicine and plant medicine
Endogenous DMT production & psychedelic visions during darkness retreats
“Softness has the power to blend with all of life. I have seen in the dark that when I am soft, when I am nothing, I can be everything. I am the softness that is blending with everything.”
Join Lana & Jenny for a free Masterclass on Microdosing & Flow State:
Sing up HERE!
LISTEN
“With a darkness retreat, people integrate as its happening. They step into new spaces, and there is time and a soft container to weave in the new discoveries. You have hour after hour to live and integrate the new truths.”
Episode Links:
Microdosing & Flow State Masterclass (FREE!)
If you’d like to join the Microdosing & Flow State Masterclass, register here.
Where to find Scott:
About Scott
Scott Berman is the creator and founder of Sky Cave Retreats - the first darkness retreat center in North America. Throughout the last decade, he has spent over two years in self-guided solo retreats in remote wilderness. He did his first dark retreat in 2012 and has spent over 70 days in multiple darkness retreats and has also done a couple with his wife. He has supported and facilitated over 250 dark retreats at his center in Ashland, Oregon.
Looking for a professional coach to support you on your psychedelic path?
Look no further! Along with being the host of the Modern Psychedelics Podcast, Lana is a 3x certified professional coach who works with people on the psychedelic path.
