A State of Mind podcast

Dark Retreat & Transformational Solitude with Adam Baraz

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🚨 What actually happens when you sit alone in pitch-black darkness for 49 days?


In this episode of A State of Mind, host Julian Royce sits down with somatic psychologist, counselor, and meditation guide Adam Baraz. Growing up as the son of Spirit Rock co-founder James Baraz, Adam has spent a decade exploring human transformation, trauma, and expanded states of consciousness.


Together, they dive deep into the world of darkness retreats, from 24-hour unplugs to 49-day solitary journeys. Adam shares the neurochemical shifts of light deprivation (from Melatonin to Pinoline and DMT), navigating extreme dopamine detoxes, working with internal sub-personalities (IFS/Hakomi), and reclaiming the lost art of true solitude in an overstimulated world.


If you have ever been curious about extreme meditation practices, mind-body healing, or breaking free from digital addiction, this conversation offers profound insights into meeting yourself in the dark.


Main Topics Covered

  • Growing Up in the Dharma: What it was like growing up with spirit leaders and how Adam carved his own path in somatic psychology.
  • The Extreme Sport of Meditation: The mechanics, mindset, and experience of undergoing 49-day darkness retreats.
  • The Chemistry of Darkness: Exploring the neurochemical shifts from Melatonin to Pinoline and 5-MeO-DMT during prolonged light deprivation.
  • The Ultimate Dopamine Reset: How complete solitude acts as a powerful detox for phone addiction, comfort, and social validation.
  • Parts Work in the Dark: Using Hakomi and Internal Family Systems (IFS) to dialogue with sub-personalities and shadow archetypes while alone.
  • Reclaiming Chronos vs. Kairos Time: Unplugging from clock time and returning to the natural, organic rhythms of nature and the body.


Key Takeaways

  • Solitude is a Modern Medicine: Stepping away from constant noise and distraction allows your nervous system to reset and bring dormant self-knowledge to the surface.
  • Healing Requires Equanimity: Darkness retreats act as an "equanimity gym", amplifying physical and emotional discomfort so you can learn to meet yourself with compassion.
  • Integration is Key: The real challenge is not just entering the dark, but bringing the insights and ego dissolution back into everyday social life.


Connect with the Guest


Connect with Julian Royce


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