Light In The Dark - An Interview With Scott Berman of Sky Cave Dark Retreats
Scott Berman is the Founder of Sky Cave Retreats, a US-based center offering immersive darkness retreats designed to foster deep self-reflection and personal growth. With over a decade of experience facilitating these unique retreats, he has guided hundreds of participants through this transformative process. Scott's journey began with his own exploration of solitude and darkness, including building an earthbag dome for a solo 10-day dark retreat, which profoundly reshaped his understanding of self-awareness and connection. Beyond his professional role, he is passionate about holding space for people from all walks of life, helping them strip away distractions to rediscover what truly matters.
Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:
[02:17] Scott Berman explains what a dark retreat is and its life-changing benefits
[11:58] Why dark retreats are uniquely challenging
[18:20] Why does our cultural conditioning resist simplicity and vulnerability?
[30:04] The concept of simplicity and how it leads to greater self-awareness
[36:37] Embracing body connection beyond peak experiences
[40:36] What does it mean to know oneself beyond conditioning?
[43:36] Why the darkness feels alive and what it reveals about the mind and body
[48:13] Is the pursuit of purpose creating stress rather than fulfillment?
[57:30] Scott talks about building a unique, purpose-driven retreat center
[1:00:55] Who are dark retreats for?
[1:05:29] Advice for those considering a dark retreat
In this episode...
What happens when you strip away the noise, the light, and the distractions of everyday life? Could complete darkness offer clarity, healing, and a deeper connection to yourself?
According to Scott Berman, a pioneer in dark retreats, stepping into total darkness reveals far more than one might expect. He highlights that the darkness is not empty or void but alive with possibility, offering profound self-reflection and insight. The experience dismantles conventional constructs like purpose, achievement, and even healing, challenging participants to face their raw emotions and find peace in simplicity. For many, this unique environment brings a new understanding of wholeness, allowing them to reconnect with their body and cultivate a sense of safety they didn’t know was missing.
In this episode of The Bottom Line podcast, host Nicholas Kusmich speaks with Scott Berman, Founder of Sky Cave Retreats, to discuss the transformative power of dark retreats. Together, they explore how darkness facilitates self-discovery, why simplicity can feel threatening, and how to embrace the vulnerability that leads to healing. Scott also shares his advice for those preparing for a dark retreat and what he’s learned from building a one-of-a-kind retreat center.
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Quotable Moments
"The darkness is not really dark; it's scintillating. There's an aliveness, not devoid of life."
"In the dark, there's no amount of meditation, solitude, or retreats that prepares someone for this experience."
"What if it was okay to feel broken and just notice what happens in your body?"
"Are we fundamentally beings that are filled with meaning, or do we need to do things to feel meaningful?"
"Knowing yourself beyond experiences is the gift the darkness really brings forward."
Action Steps
Explore the dark retreat: Consider participating in a dark retreat to confront your inner self without distractions. This experience helps uncover layers of your being by removing external stimuli and allowing you to face your thoughts and emotions directly.
Embrace simplicity: Begin to notice and appreciate simplicity in your daily life, letting go of the need for continuous achievement and complex aspirations. By focusing on simple, genuine connections, you can reduce stress and find deeper meaning without chasing peak experiences.
Engage in somatic therapy: Utilize somatic therapy techniques to become more aware of your body's sensations and emotions. This practice helps you identify and release tension or resistance, promoting a deeper understanding and acceptance of your physical and emotional state.
Practice genuine safety and connectivity: Regularly check in with yourself to ensure you genuinely feel safe and connected in your body. This practice helps you identify areas of tension or stress and encourages a more relaxed and grounded state, reducing the need for external validation or achievement.
Reflect on purpose and meaning: Reevaluate what purpose and meaning mean to you beyond societal or cultural expectations. By understanding that meaning resides within you, you can navigate life with a deeper sense of fulfillment, regardless of external accomplishments or recognition.
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