We make time for you.
When you arrive—whether by car, train or even plane (there is a small sports airfield nearby)—we welcome you under our pergola or beneath the oak tree. We offer a “welcome drink”, by which we mean a good loose-leaf tea. This first meeting matters because it gives us time to understand what you need. Everyone is different: an introverted guest who does not feel like talking may be settled into the cabin within half an hour, while with someone else we may talk for much longer. We also agree on practical details such as food and whether you would like guidance during the retreat apod.
Most guests take a walk around our garden before entering the darkness, meet our other “guide”, Cecilka, and then we move on to the simple ritual of entering the dark.
It is then entirely up to you whether you turn the light off after an hour, after two hours or not at all. Some people simply let a candle burn out and then remain in darkness.
…AND WHAT ABOUT PHONES?
We do not force anyone to do anything. It is up to you whether you look at your phone or a watch. If you prefer, you can leave your phone with us for safekeeping. And we never lock anyone in.
What can you expect from us?
Soup and a main course (lunch) are delivered daily between 11:00 and 15:00. We also try to keep fruit and muesli available. During the retreat, we can talk with you about your impressions and experiences whenever you are interested.
For the rest of the time, we leave you undisturbed to reflect, stretch, meditate, sing, play musical instruments or simply be with yourself in whatever way feels right.
We are simply here to guide and support you when you ask.
If you expect us to monitor you, that is not how we work. There is no military-style supervision, medical monitoring, restriction, manipulation or locking you in.
The darkness itself is the main part of the experience.
We take care of nourishing vegetarian or vegan food, warmth and the practical comforts of your stay.
We can talk with you or simply listen. If during the retreat you feel drawn to do something that is safe and available to you, the choice is yours. The retreat does not have to follow a prescribed programme to be meaningful.
Turning off the light is voluntary—just like the entire retreat.
It is entirely up to you whether you switch off the light and keep it off for the whole stay. It is also up to you whether you remain for the full booking or leave earlier. Nobody will ever lock you in; participation is always your own choice.
If difficult feelings arise, you do not necessarily have to end the retreat immediately.
One option is to estimate when evening has arrived and sit for a while on the bench outside the cabin. Take a breath and look at the night sky. That brief contact with the outside world may bring relief and remind you that everything is still moving along as usual. You can also leave the door open for a while.
This is simply one way of making a difficult moment easier.
You can use the same option if you smoke, although some guests choose to treat the retreat as an opportunity for a break from smoking as well.
The choice is yours.
What might you experience?
People describe very different experiences in extended darkness. Difficult thoughts or emotions may arise, while others describe visual phenomena such as flashes, colours or luminous patterns. Such experiences can change from hour to hour and cannot be predicted in advance.
Some participants report unusual bodily sensations, vivid dreams or imagery, altered perceptions of space and time, or a temporary blurring of the boundary between dreaming and waking. These are subjective experiences and vary widely from person to person.
For more detailed preparation and practical information, see our guide: How to prepare for a dark retreat.
If you are considering a retreat for two, you can find dedicated information here: Dark retreat for couples – how it works.
