Light deprivation

How does darkness affect us? Just as light is important for us to have in the day, so is darkness is important for us to rejuvenate and from the day, to hibernate and to cocoon ourselves into a deep sleep.

However recent unique retreats suspended in isolation for long periods of time have become a favourite for meditators and those wanting to experience psychedelic states of consciousness.

This new tradition is nothing new, its practices have evolved from old Taoist traditions and practices of using caves for deep meditation. A time for going within the yin energy, part of the divine feminine. Typically for 1-2 weeks. The therapy and retreats are used where food is served, as well as conversations.

Darkness retreats and long sessions suspended in darkness can change how we see, hear and feel the world around us. In the darkness, our sensory information can change body & brain chemistry. When we have deprived of all visual stimuli any sounds in space can change the way we 'see'. Depending on how stable we are, calm and relaxed, usually, we can handle the darkness. However, some can not, perhaps it brings up trauma or fear. But within the darkness is much beauty, and in that darkness, the spirit is always with you.

During many seance experiments and experiences, in total darkness, I have seen bright spirit lights illuminate rooms, witnessed, felt and heard phenomena. But doing it on your own takes time. Sitting in the power, in the darkness, shuts down the outside busy world, and you go within yourself. It’s a very shamanic experience.

Darkness turns the major cortical centres in the brain, depressing mental and cognitive functions. Emotions, and feelings are heightened and you can enter into states of euphoria. Clairvoyant and clairsentient abilities get stronger especially in soundproof rooms, and you start to see, hear and feel from within.

Long exposure in darkness has been said to increase DMT (Dimethyltryptamine) levels in the brain.

Darkness retreats are a very powerful method to experience psychedelic imagery, inner visions. Its like a shamanic journey into the cave of creation.

How this works is suspended in darkness over 3-5+ days. When darkness is prevented and no light; more Melatonin is created due to darkness which synthesis's psychedelic chemicals in the brain. Melatonin quiets the mind and body for subtle higher dimensions such as sleep and meditation.

Melatonin *the sleep molecule* in response to darkness and the circadian rhythm starts to accumulate in the brain. Roughly 2-5mg per day, and then ends in 15-20mg per day. It’s interesting to note that LSD and Melatonin have the same basic molecular structure, The brain and body notices it no longer needs to produce Melatonin and then begins producing Pinoline, which affects neurotransmitters in the brain, starts to produce 5-Methoxy-dimethyltryptamine (5-Me0-DMT) and Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) *the spirit molecule* this process usually takes about 3 days.

Darkness retreats (Darkroom therapy) has also been used in recent research that prolonged exposure of long periods in the dark can help people with depression and bipolar disease. Some sources say that depression may not be caused by a lack of light, but a lack of complete darkness, especially during the persons sleep.

During the 3+ days, an Ego death is often reported. Probably because 5-Me0-DMT is normally found within the womb, and during darkness isolation, it is reactivated. Around 9-12 days DMT levels reach above 25mg, this allows consciousness to transcend and experience states beyond the physical, enjoy compassion, a connection or experience with the divine and inner journeying.