Darkness Retreat: My Journey to a Bathroom Oasis

Imagine spending five days in complete darkness, locked in a small 2×4 meter room with nothing but the bare essentials. No light, no internet, no gadgets – just you and your thoughts. This was the unusual experience I recently undertook, and let me tell you, it was a true journey of self-discovery.

As an entrepreneur running a growing business, I found myself increasingly overwhelmed by the demands of a 60-70 hour work week. Despite the passion and vision I had for my work, the stress was taking its toll. That’s when I stumbled upon the concept of a “darkness retreat” [1]. After some deliberation, I decided to take the plunge and signed up for a week-long program in the heart of Slovakia.

When I first arrived at the retreat center, the space felt even smaller than the photos had suggested. The compact layout consisted of a bathroom at the entrance and a bedroom area, with just the essentials – a bed, an armchair, and a yoga mat [2]. It was a far cry from the luxurious bathrooms and spa-like retreats I had experienced in the past.

But as I settled in and the lights went out, something remarkable happened. The absence of distractions and external stimuli allowed my mind to truly relax and unwind. I found myself sinking into a state of deep contemplation, exploring the depths of my own thoughts and emotions in a way I had never done before.

Embracing the Darkness

One of the most striking aspects of my darkness retreat experience was the way it challenged my preconceived notions about what a “retreat” should be. In our modern, technology-driven world, we’re so accustomed to constant stimulation and the need to be constantly connected. The idea of voluntarily cutting ourselves off from all of that can be downright daunting.

But as I spent those five days in the embrace of the darkness, I began to appreciate the power of simplicity and solitude. The lack of distractions allowed me to truly focus on my inner world, to explore my thoughts and feelings without the constant noise of the outside world. It was a humbling and yet profoundly enlightening experience.

Finding Unexpected Insights

One of the most surprising discoveries I made during my darkness retreat was the way it helped me to connect with my senses in a deeper way. Without the visual cues we so often rely on, I found myself becoming more attuned to the subtle sounds, smells, and textures around me. The simple act of taking a shower, for example, became a meditative experience as I focused on the sensation of the water on my skin and the gentle hum of the pipes.

It was in these moments of heightened awareness that I began to uncover unexpected insights about myself and my life. I found myself reflecting on my priorities, my relationships, and the things that truly mattered to me. The darkness had a way of stripping away the superficial and forcing me to confront the deeper truths within.

Embracing the Unexpected

As I navigated the challenges of my darkness retreat, I quickly learned that it was important to let go of any preconceived notions or expectations. This was a journey into the unknown, and the only way to truly benefit from it was to approach it with an open mind and a willingness to embrace the unexpected.

In fact, one of the most valuable lessons I took away from my experience was the importance of being adaptable and resilient in the face of uncertainty. When the going got tough, I had to draw on my inner reserves of strength and resourcefulness to get through it. And in the end, I emerged from the darkness feeling more grounded, more connected to myself, and more prepared to tackle the demands of my daily life.

Bringing the Retreat Home

As I reflect on my darkness retreat experience, I can’t help but draw parallels to the way we approach our bathrooms and personal spaces. Too often, we see these areas as functional spaces, rather than as opportunities for true self-care and rejuvenation.

But what if we approached our bathrooms with the same sense of intention and mindfulness that I experienced during my retreat? What if we created a space that felt like a true sanctuary, a place where we could disconnect from the world and reconnect with ourselves?

Creating Your Own Bathroom Retreat

To help you transform your bathroom into a personal oasis, here are some tips inspired by my darkness retreat experience:

1. Embrace Minimalism: Like the compact but intentional layout of my retreat space, focus on paring down your bathroom to the essentials. Declutter and streamline your storage, and choose simple, high-quality fixtures and furnishings that create a sense of calm and serenity.

2. Engage the Senses: Without the distractions of the outside world, I found myself becoming deeply attuned to the sensory experience of my retreat. Incorporate elements that engage your senses, such as soothing scents, soft textures, and calming sounds (e.g., a small fountain or chimes).

3. Prioritize Relaxation: Instead of seeing your bathroom as just a functional space, treat it as a dedicated area for relaxation and rejuvenation. Invest in a plush, comfortable bathtub or shower, and create a space that invites you to linger and unwind.

4. Disconnect and Recharge: Just as I disconnected from technology and the outside world during my retreat, create opportunities for digital detox in your bathroom. Designate a space where you can leave your phone and other devices, and focus on the present moment.

5. Personalize with Intention: While my retreat space was deliberately stripped down, you can infuse your bathroom with personal touches that hold meaning for you. Display artwork, photographs, or meaningful objects that inspire and uplift you.

Remember, the goal is to create a space that feels like a true retreat – a haven where you can escape the demands of the outside world and reconnect with yourself. By embracing simplicity, engaging your senses, and cultivating an intentional mindset, you can transform even the most functional bathroom into a deeply restorative and rejuvenating oasis.

Conclusion

My darkness retreat experience was a profound and transformative journey, one that challenged my preconceptions and pushed me to explore the depths of my own inner world. And while the physical space of my retreat was far from luxurious, it became a sanctuary where I could disconnect, reflect, and emerge feeling more grounded and centered.

As I’ve shared these insights with you, my hope is that you’ll be inspired to approach your own bathroom and personal space with a similar sense of intention and mindfulness. By embracing simplicity, engaging your senses, and prioritizing relaxation, you can create a haven that nourishes your body, mind, and spirit – a true retreat from the demands of the outside world.

So, take a deep breath, unplug, and let your bathroom become a sanctuary where you can reconnect with yourself and rediscover the power of solitude and stillness. It’s a journey worth taking, and one that just might surprise you in the most delightful of ways.

References

[1] Shlepetskyy, Eduard. “5 Days in Full Darkness: My Experience on a Retreat.” LinkedIn, 30 Oct. 2021, https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/5-days-full-darkness-my-experience-retreat-eduard-shlepetskyy.

[2] Vox. “I Went on an Ayahuasca Retreat and Had a Psychedelic Hallucination.” Vox, 19 Feb. 2018, https://www.vox.com/first-person/2018/2/19/16739386/ayahuasca-retreat-psychedelic-hallucination-meditation.

[3] “Tips for Creating a Guest Bedroom Retreat.” Making Pretty Spaces, 29 Oct. 2019, https://makingprettyspaces.com/2019/10/29/tips-for-creating-a-guest-bedroom-retreat/.

[4] “How to Have a Creative Retreat at Home.” Hannah Hand Makes, 7 May 2023, https://hannahhandmakes.com/blogs/how-to-have-a-creative-retreat-at-home/.

[5] Pacini, Liz. “How to Paint Cabinets.” Liz Pacini, 7 May 2023, https://lizpacini.com/2023/05/07/how-to-paint-cabinets/.

[6] “Paint Color for Bathroom With No Windows.” The DIY Playbook, https://thediyplaybook.com/paint-color-for-bathroom-with-no-windows/.

[7] “Southern Pines, NC Travel Guide.” Wayward Blog, https://www.waywardblog.com/southern-pines-nc-travel-guide/.

[8] “Guest Room Retreat.” The DIY Playbook, https://thediyplaybook.com/guest-room-retreat/.