The Power of Dark Retreat
A program that offers the benefits of dark retreat therapy in an at-home formatAn online retreat February 28-March 1, 2026
A Two-Day Virtual Retreat
With Andrew Holecek
Do you feel constantly drained by the relentless noise and digital distraction of the modern world?
Are you interested in befriending the darkness and using it as a canvas for personal growth, creativity and insight?
Do you long for a “hard reset” for your nervous system that goes deeper than just sleep?
The ancient practice of dark retreat has found its way back into our light-polluted modern world. In a time of constant digital distraction, artificial light, and AI, this online workshop offers a profound reset.
Join our two-day virtual retreat on The Power of Dark Retreat by Andrew Holecek. This is designed as a gray retreat experience—a nervous system and perception rewiring program that offers the benefits of dark retreat therapy in an at-home format.
This is not just about relaxation; it is a deep dive into consciousness.
Join us today!
Topics We Will Cover Include:
- Creating a temporary “dark temple” at home
- Insights into the physiological and spiritual benefits of sensory deprivation
- “Waking down” into the body’s restorative wisdom
- Using darkness as a mirror for the shadow
- Techniques for managing anxiety, fear, and resistance in the dark
- Somatic anchoring: dropping out of thinking into feeling
- Guidance on “Gray Retreat” and weaving darkness into daily life
- “Micro-dosing” darkness
Why Attend?
Join Andrew for a two-day immersive exploration. You will learn to prepare safely for dark practice, integrate the experience into your daily life, and use the dark as the ultimate environment for creativity and healing..
We will explore both Eastern and Western origins of the practice, covering the practicalities: what to do in the dark, how long to stay, and how to work with difficulties.
Why Attend?:
- A Profound Reset: Learn to balance the deleterious effects of overstimulation and the “always-on” digital culture.
- Rewire Your Perception: Engage in a process that resets the nervous system, allowing you to move through the world with greater clarity.
- Shadow Work: Transform anxiety into insight. By removing visual input, you engage in the deepest form of shadow work.
- Preparation for Life (and Death): Dark immersion serves as the ultimate preparation for the transition of death, helping you change your relationship with the unknown.
Cost: $129
Discounted Price of $109 for Night Club Members (Discount code available at Night Club).
This live event requires ZOOM, either through a browser or app, which you will be automatically prompted to download upon clicking the access link provided to you in your confirmation and reminder emails. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: If you have a computer with a broadband connection (320 kbps minimum), web browser, and sound capabilities (microphone and speakers or headset), you will be able to view the webinar and participate in the Q&A period. Recommended System Requirements: macOS X with macOS X (10.11) or later; Windows 11; Windows 10. Note: Devices running Windows 10 must run Windows 10 Home, Pro, or Enterprise. S Mode is not supported. And internet browser Edge, Firefox, Safari, or Chrome, all within two versions of the current version.
Daily Schedule
Note: All times Eastern Standard Time (EST) or −5 hours (UTC/GMT -5)
Saturday:
11:00 am – 2:30 pm
4:00 – 7:00 pm
Sunday:
11:00 am – 2:30 pm
4:00 – 6:00 pm
This program will be recorded and made available to all registered participants.
Participant Kit
To fully participate in this immersive experience, students will be guided to utilize specific tools. You will need:
- A Blackout Mask: We recommend high-quality options such as Manta or Myhalos masks to ensure complete darkness.
- Earplugs: To minimize auditory distraction.
- A Journal: For capturing insights and integrating the experience.
If you have questions about attendance, contact us at nightclub@andrewholecek.com.
FAQs
Do I need to completely blackout my windows or build a darkroom?
No. This is one of the main advantages of the “Gray Retreat” approach. By using a high-quality blackout mask (such as the Manta or Myhalos masks recommended in the Participant Kit), you carry darkness with you. You do not need to tape up windows or modify your living space, making this practice accessible to anyone.
Will I be in darkness the entire weekend?
No. This workshop is designed to teach you how to weave in and out of the dark. We will have periods of instruction, followed by periods of practice (dark/mask on), and integration. This rhythm helps reset the nervous system without the intensity of a strict dark retreat.
How do I watch the Zoom sessions if I’m supposed to be in the dark?
During the teaching portions, you can engage with the screen as normal. During the guided dark sessions, you will simply put your mask on and listen to Andrew’s guidance audio-only. This “hybrid” approach allows you to learn the techniques safely and then immediately apply them.
What if I feel claustrophobic or anxious?
You are in total control. Unlike a strict retreat center where you are in a pitch-black cabin, at home you can simply lift your mask at any time. We view anxiety not as a failure, but as material to work with. Andrew will provide specific tools to help you befriend these sensations rather than running from them.
Can I participate if I live with family, roommates, or pets?
Yes. While a quiet environment is ideal, “Gray Retreat” is about integrating practice into real life. We recommend letting your household know your schedule so you can be undisturbed during the practice sessions. The recommended earplugs will also help create an internal sense of solitude, even if your house isn’t perfectly silent.
