Meditation Room: Embrace The Dark

Dark room meditation, also known as dark therapy, is a practice of reflection that is often done in a quiet and dark space away from sunlight or artificial light. It is said to originate from the Chinese religion of Taoism, with Taoists traditionally using caves to meditate.

Dark room meditation is believed to offer a wide range of benefits, including improved sleep, reduced stress, and enhanced creativity. It is also said to help with the treatment of chronic pain and irritable bowel syndrome.

To optimise a dark room for meditation, it is important to create a comfortable and distraction-free environment. This includes wearing loose and comfortable clothing, choosing a suitable room with minimal outside distractions, and making sure the room temperature is pleasant. While a completely dark room is not necessary, some practitioners advocate for it as it allows for better focus and fewer outer stimuli.

Additionally, it is crucial to cultivate a positive mindset towards darkness and address any fears or negative associations one may have. This can be done by viewing darkness as a source of life, a blank slate, or a base for reflection and insight.

Dark room meditation requires intense concentration and may take a few months to master. It is important to approach this practice with patience and persistence, gradually increasing the duration of meditation sessions.

Choose a dark room

Dark meditation is a practice that can be done in a dark room in your home or at a dark therapy retreat. The darkness can be pitch black or slightly dim, depending on your comfort level.

If you choose to meditate in a dark room at home, make sure the room is warm and comfortable. You may want to wear loose-fitting clothing to prevent any tightness around your chest and abdomen, which can be distracting.

It is also important to clear your mind before beginning your meditation practice. Try to wind down and relax before starting, especially if you are feeling stressed. You can do something calming like reading a book or doing a puzzle.

If you are new to dark meditation, it may take some time to adjust to the darkness and cultivate a sense of comfort with it. It is normal to have fears or negative associations with the dark, so work on replacing these thoughts with positive ones. For example, instead of thinking of darkness as blank space, think of it as a source of life or a blank slate for self-reflection.

Remember that the goal of dark meditation is to focus on the darkness and your thoughts and feelings about it. With practice, you will be able to clear your mind and gain insight into your inner world.

Wear comfortable clothing

When preparing for meditation, it is important to wear comfortable clothing. This will help you focus on your inner self rather than your appearance. It is recommended to wear loose clothing, such as flowing robes, yoga pants, and loose-fitting sweat suits. These types of clothing can prevent numbness in your limbs and allow for better breathability. Additionally, avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes, heavy coats or jackets, jeans, tights, hoodies, and headbands, as they can be uncomfortable and restrict your movement.

You may also want to consider the colour of your clothing. Colours have different vibrations and can affect your mood and energy levels. For example, red encourages physical activity and passion, while yellow encourages creativity and happiness. Choose colours that align with the purpose of your meditation session. If you are meditating in public, be mindful of how your clothing and colours may affect those around you.

Ultimately, there is no right or wrong clothing choice for meditation. The most important thing is to wear something that makes you feel confident and comfortable.

Prepare your mind

Before you begin a darkness meditation routine, it is important to assess your current feelings about darkness. Darkness can evoke fear, and be associated with negative emotions and death. If you are afraid of the dark, you will need to work on changing these assumptions. Try to think of darkness as a source of life, a blank slate, or a base to which you can add reflection and insight.

It is also important to clear your mind before attempting to meditate. Try to wind down and relax before you begin. Do something that you find soothing, like reading a book or doing a puzzle.

Darkness meditation requires an intense level of concentration. Your mind may wander, and you may begin to think of other things. Try to ignore these thoughts and return your thoughts to the darkness. Focus on what the darkness looks and feels like.

You should keep your eyes closed for about 20 minutes. During this time, deeply consider the darkness. Hyper-focus on how it feels, what it means, and any insight you are gaining. Your mind may go to scary places during this meditation, but that is okay. Darkness can bring about a lot of fear, and focusing on it for a set period of time can help to alleviate this fear.

After 20 minutes, open your eyes and try to bring the sense of darkness into the room with you. Think about what you saw, thought, and experienced. Try to imagine the room has that same feeling of darkness. Linger in this state of mind for about five minutes.

It is important to note that it may take months to master darkness meditation. Do not feel discouraged if your first attempt does not meet your expectations. Practice as often as you feel comfortable. If you have a bad reaction, you may want to taper off until you feel more calm.

If you have a phobia of the dark, you may want to reconsider darkness meditation. Phobias are intense fears that should be addressed with a mental health professional. It may be dangerous to try to tackle a phobia on your own.

Clear your mind

Clearing your mind is an important aspect of meditation, and it can be challenging to achieve, especially when you're attempting a new form of meditation such as dark room meditation. Here are some tips to help you clear your mind and optimise your meditation practice in a dark room:

Address Your Fears and Associations with Darkness

The idea of darkness can bring up fears and negative emotions for some people. Before beginning your dark room meditation practice, it's important to address and confront these fears. Ask yourself: What emotions or thoughts come up when you think about being in the dark? Are you scared of the dark or of being alone? If so, try to reframe your perspective on darkness and cultivate positive associations. Think of the darkness as a source of life, a blank slate, or a base from which everything else is added. Remember that darkness has been used for spiritual growth and reflection in various ancient cultures and traditions.

Prepare Your Mind and Body

Choose comfortable clothing that won't distract you during your meditation practice. Find a quiet, comfortable space where you can meditate without interruptions. You may opt for a dark room or simply a room where you can concentrate and won't be disturbed. Before beginning your meditation, take some time to wind down and clear your mind. Engage in relaxing activities such as reading or doing a puzzle to help calm your mind.

Focus on the Darkness

When you're ready, close your eyes and try to clear your mind. During dark room meditation, the goal is to focus solely on the darkness. Ignore any thoughts or images that may emerge in your mind and gently bring your attention back to the darkness. What does the darkness look like? What does it feel like? Strive to cultivate a deep sense of darkness and examine any preconceived notions you have about it.

Practice Regularly

Dark room meditation requires intense concentration and can take time to master. Don't be discouraged if your first attempts don't meet your expectations. Regular practice is key. Consistency will help you improve your ability to clear your mind and focus solely on the darkness.

Remember that meditation is a personal journey, and the effects may vary from person to person. Always listen to your intuition and make adjustments as needed to ensure your comfort and safety during your dark room meditation practice.

Focus on the darkness

Darkness meditation is a practice that can help you develop spiritual consciousness and activate your intuition power or psychic ability. It is believed that darkness meditation can lead to a deep spiritual experience and self-consciousness.

Choose the Right Room

Select a room that is comfortable, quiet, and free from distractions. Make sure the room is warm and not too cold, as you don't want to be thinking about the temperature while meditating. If possible, choose a room with minimal external stimuli, such as a dark room with no windows or sources of light.

Prepare the Room

Ensure the room is dark by sealing any sources of light. This could involve covering windows, turning off lights, or using blackout curtains. The goal is to create an environment with minimal visual stimuli, allowing you to focus solely on the darkness.

Get Comfortable

Wear loose, comfortable clothing that won't distract you during your meditation practice. You may also want to consider sitting on a meditation cushion or bench to support your posture and ensure comfort during your practice.

Clear Your Mind

Before beginning your meditation, take some time to wind down and clear your mind. You can do something relaxing, such as reading a book or doing a calming activity. This will help you focus better during your meditation practice.

When you start your meditation, close your eyes and try to clear your mind. Focus on the darkness and how it makes you feel. What does the darkness look like? What does it represent to you? Embrace any positive associations you have with darkness, such as thinking of it as a source of life or a blank slate.

Maintain Your Practice

Darkness meditation requires intense concentration and can take time to master. Be patient with yourself and maintain a regular practice. You can start with shorter sessions and gradually increase the duration as you become more comfortable.

Remember, the goal of focusing on the darkness in meditation is to lessen any fear of darkness and the unknown, helping you cultivate a sense of peace and insight.

Frequently asked questions