The Hustle Daily Show The new ‘darkness retreat’ fad, explained
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Jun 5, 2025 The rising trend of darkness retreats is examined, where individuals pay to sit alone in the dark for days seeking introspection. This unique practice has attracted everyone from NBA stars to crypto enthusiasts, with results that vary widely. Personal stories highlight the transformative power of solitude, drawing amusing parallels to prison life. It contrasts these minimalist retreats with more elaborate self-discovery practices and discusses the return of the McDonald’s Snack Wrap, alongside a cool collaboration between Hubspot and ChatGPT.
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What Are Darkness Retreats?
- Darkness retreats involve spending days alone in complete darkness with no distractions to meditate deeply. - This experience can lead to intense self-reflection, hallucinations, and mental clarity for some participants.
Dwight Howard's Positive Experience
- NBA player Dwight Howard called darkness retreats the best thing he's ever done. - Reporter Tim Neville experienced fear, boredom, and hallucinations before gaining a sense of tranquility and fulfillment.
Value of Boredom for Insight
- Being bored without distractions can unlock creative thoughts and lead to insights. - Experiences like sound baths or massages help people disconnect fully and access deeper thinking.