We talk with Scott Berman, founder of Sky Cave Retreats, about what extended time in complete darkness actually does to the body and mind when distractions, orientation, and performance all fall away. 

Sky Cave Retreats: https://www.skycaveretreats.com/

We focus on nervous system safety, permission to feel what is here, and why the “right” darkness retreat is less about endurance and more about how you relate to yourself. 

• What a darkness retreat is and how Sky Cave cabins are designed for total blackout and near silence
• Why the retreat container and expectations can shape what people allow themselves to feel
• Disorientation, survival responses, and how fight flight freeze can show up in the dark
• Using the body as an anchor when visual cues disappear
• The difference between techniques used for connection versus strategies used to manage experience
• Softening as allowing and being with, not forcing a “soft” persona or positivity filter
• How the program is structured with preparation, touch-ins, and integration support
• The ancient roots of darkness practice across cultures and lineages
• Scott’s personal journey and how Sky Cave evolved with a nervous system lens
• Who tends to benefit most, including curiosity, availability, and willingness not to know

I encourage people to check out skykaveretreats.com.

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ABOUT THE SHOW

Mindfulness Exercises with Sean Fargo is a practical, grounded mindfulness podcast for people who want meditation to actually help in real life.

Hosted by Sean Fargo — a former Buddhist monk, mindfulness teacher, and founder of MindfulnessExercises.com — the show explores how mindfulness can support mental health, emotional regulation, trauma sensitivity, chronic pain, leadership, creativity, and meaningful work.

Each episode offers a mix o...