The Power of Dark Retreat

August 17 - 24, 2026

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Arrival: August 17th, 2:00-5:00 PM

Departure: August 24th, 1:30 PM

Tuition:
$425+ 7 nights lodging
Combined at checkout

Meals & drinks included
Inc. V, VG, GF

Add extra nights at 50% off

Tuition:
$425+ 4 nights lodging
Combined at checkout
Meals & drinks included

Add extra nights at 50% off

About the Retreat

The ancient practice of dark retreat has found its way back into our light-polluted modern world. This program explores the remarkable restorative benefits of dark practice, why it is an ideal environment for creativity and healing, and how dark immersion serves as the ultimate preparation for death.

We will explore both Eastern and Western origins of the practice, covering everything you need to know to safely prepare for the dark and integrate the experience into daily life. We will address the practicalities: what to do in the dark, how long to stay, and how to work with difficulties.

Finally, you will learn why dark retreat is the ideal venue for exploring the five nocturnal meditations, including lucid dreaming and dream yoga. This is a rare opportunity to explore the “gray retreat”—weaving in and out of darkness—as a tool for transformation.

If you would prefer to experience this program in your own space, click here to go to our online registration page for this program.

What to Expect

  • Deep exploration of the five nocturnal meditations, including dream yoga.

  • Techniques for managing anxiety, fear, and resistance in the dark.

  • Guidance on “gray retreat” and weaving darkness into daily life.

  • Insights into the physiological and spiritual benefits of sensory deprivation.

  • Tools for deep shadow work and balancing the effects of the digital age.

Why Attend the Leadership Retreat?

Discover the ironic antidote to the “Dark Age.” In a world of constant digital distraction and artificial light, this retreat offers a profound reset. You will learn how to balance the deleterious effects of AI and overstimulation through the restorative power of darkness.

This is not just about relaxation; it is a deep dive into consciousness. You will leave with the ability to transform anxiety into insight and use darkness as a canvas for creativity.

Ultimately, this retreat changes your relationship with the unknown. By exploring the dark, you engage in the deepest form of shadow work and the ultimate preparation for the transition of death, moving through the world with greater fearlessness and clarity.

Program Schedule

August 17th

Check-in: 2:00 – 5:00 pm at Guest Services Cabin

Orientation: 5:30 – 6:00 pm

Slideshow and Zoom Orientation: 7:30 pm – 7:45 pm

Opening Session: 7:45 pm – 9:00 pm

August 18th – 23rd

Morning Session: 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

Afternoon Session: 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Evening Session: 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm

August 24th

Final Session: 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

Why Did Past Participants Love this
Retreat?

“Andrew’s teachings on darkness opened a door I didn’t know existed. I’ve never felt more rested or more alive.”

“The perfect balance of science and spirituality. I finally understand how to work with my own shadow.”

“I was afraid of the dark before this. Now, I see it as a warm blanket for my mind.”

Retreat Faculty

Andrew Holecek

Andrew Holecek is an interdisciplinary scholar-practitioner in Tibetan Buddhism and Resident Contemplative Scholar at the Institute for Advanced Consciousness Studies. A research consultant at Northwestern University, his work focuses on dream yoga and dark retreat. A member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, Andrew is the author of nine books, including Total Eclipse of [...]

Lodging

We have several accommodations to choose from during checkout.
All options include our healthy meals and drinks. Inc V, VG, GF.

Tents
12′ x 14′ tents have two twin beds, two bookcases and a hanging clothes rack. Each campground offers a shared bathhouse. Summer platform tents are available from late May through early September. A tent can be rented as a single (without a roommate) or a double (with a roommate).

Dormitories
Rooms with beds for up to 7-8 people. Gender-segregated with men in their own dorm and women in another. The dorms use a shared bathroom down the hall, which is also equipped with shower stalls.

Monk Rooms
A cost-effective option for participants looking for indoor, solitary lodging, but who don’t mind using a shared bathroom or are looking for a more affordable retreat solution. These rooms are in the same hall as the Ridgen Dormitories, but offer more privacy than the dorms. In addition to a bed, bedding, a private room and closet, the monk rooms also have a large window and a desk and desk chair for added comfort.

Single and Double Rooms
The perfect choice for a retreat where you want both your own space and your own bathroom. Each room offers a little more space, a dresser and closet, and a 3/4s bathroom (toilet, sink, and shower, no bathtub) attached to each room.

Red Feather Single and Double Rooms
The perfect choice for a retreat.

FAQs

Do I need previous experience with dark retreat?

No. We cover everything you need to know to prepare, including safety, practicalities, and integration.

Is dark retreat scary?

It can be challenging, but we teach specific techniques for managing anxiety and fear, turning obstacles into deep shadow work.

How does this relate to Dream Yoga?

Darkness is the ideal venue for the five nocturnal meditations. Removing visual input drastically increases your ability to access lucid dreaming states.

What is “Gray Retreat”?

We will explore how to weave in and out of darkness, allowing you to gain the benefits of retreat without needing total, uninterrupted seclusion.

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