Most responses to civilizational crisis look outward—toward policy, energy systems, geopolitical players, and the flow of materials—while paying little attention to how the people inside those systems might themselves change and grow. Yet the same minds that built...
In this recent episode of Insights at the Edge, Sounds True Founder and CEO Tami Simon sits down with Andrew —interdisciplinary scholar, lifelong practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism, and author of the new Sounds True book Total Eclipse of the Mind: Unleashing the Power...
In his new book, Total Eclipse of the Mind: Unleashing the Power of Darkness for Creativity, Healing, and Transformation, Andrew Holecek lays out a comprehensive introduction to the practice of dark retreat and how it can utterly transform our relationship to...
This book from Andrew offers everything you need to know to start meditating. It tells you exactly what meditation is, dispels the myths of what it is not, and shows you how to find lasting peace and happiness through this miraculous practice. With warmth and gentle...
In his TEDx talk, Andrew Holecek explores the "healing power of darkness" as an antidote to our modern "darkness deficit disorder." He argues that while light reveals the external world, it often conceals our internal depth, leaving us disconnected and overstimulated....
From Conde Nast Traveller - cntraveller.com "After four days and nights in total darkness to seek deep rest, our writer explains why you might want to try it too" In this article Andrew is featured as "today's most well-known teacher of modern dark retreat" and serves...
Benefits of Dark Retreat: Sleep Most people don’t go into dark retreat to catch up on sleep, but relieving sleep deficits is a healthy byproduct of spending time in darkness. I always spend the first few days catching up on lost sleep and allowing myself to luxuriate...
Why do a dark retreat? At first glance, dark retreat may seem to be an esoteric practice, beyond the reach of the common person. My charter is to make it accessible, to demystify dark practice, and to reveal its extraordinarily potential for growth. Starting with easy...
Dark retreat is rapidly emerging onto the self-improvement and spiritual scene. NBA icons Dwight Howard and Rudy Gobert, along with a host of other elite athletes, are posting social media clips about their experiences in dark retreat, and inspiring a rush to see...
Dark retreats, often lasting three days like those offered at Sky Cave in Oregon, have become increasingly popular for personal exploration and inner transformation. However, the experience can be surprisingly nuanced. Success hinges on more than simply making it...