Waking dreams in the dark retreat

Why so many people suddenly experience lucid dreams and waking dreams during dark retreats

In the absolute silence and darkness of a retreat, the unexpected happens: suddenly dreams become crystal clear, you become aware of dreaming and immerse yourself in vivid waking dreams. But why does this happen there of all places? The answer lies in the radical absence of what normally distracts our mind. In the following article, we explore this question further.

The connection between darkness, the third eye, and spiritual experiences

Many participants report experiencing intense lucid dreams, also known as waking dreams, during a dark retreat—states in which they consciously dream and can usually control these dreams.

Some suddenly recognize themselves in the middle of a dream and can then steer it as they wish, while others have profound spiritual experiences, visions, or clear messages from within.

But why does this happen so often during dark retreats—often without any conscious intention?

The answer lies in the unique effect of darkness on the brain, consciousness, and the third eye.

What happens during a dark retreat – and why darkness changes consciousness

During a dark retreat, you spend several days in complete darkness—without light, without external stimuli, without distractions.

This total silence for the senses causes your body to begin releasing melatonin, then pinoline, and finally DMT—natural substances associated with dream consciousness, visions, and spiritual states.

The darkness also naturally activates the third eye (Ajna Chakra) – the center of inner vision.
When external light disappears, the inner light begins to shine.
Many people report that during a dark retreat, they perceive lights, shapes, or colors in the room for the first time that cannot be explained physically – a sign of the activation of inner vision.

My experience in India – the third eye

I lived in India for many years and experienced firsthand the power of the third eye.

In India, many people wear a red dot called a bindi, made of sandalwood or kumkum, on their forehead, right between their eyebrows.
This dot symbolizes the Ajna Chakra, the seat of consciousness, intuition, and inner vision.

During my time there, I learned how strongly focusing on this point activates the flow of energy in the forehead area.
In a dark retreat, this happens naturally:
When there is no external light, the energy automatically turns inward and the third eye begins to open.

Many retreat participants report seeing lights, geometric patterns, or pulsating colors.
These are not figments of the imagination, but subtle energetic perceptions that arise when the third eye becomes active and consciousness expands.

Why lucid dreams and waking dreams occur so easily during dark retreats

In a dark retreat, sleep and waking consciousness merge naturally.
The brain remains active while the body is deeply relaxed – and it is precisely at this threshold that lucid dreams and waking dreams arise.

1. Consciousness to focus completely inward.
   • Without external stimuli, inner images, visions, and energies become clearer.
2. The third eye to be stimulated and opened.
   • You begin to perceive light in the form of mandalas or simply points of light – expressions of deep, inner energy processes.
3. Meditative mindfulness carries over into the dream state.
   • This allows you to recognize more quickly that you are dreaming – and remain conscious.

Darkness strengthens the connection between the soul and the dream body.

This enables deep spiritual experiences, healing, and insight.

Lucid dreaming as a gateway to spiritual insight

A lucid dream is much more than a fascinating experience—it is a tool for self-awareness.
In a conscious dream, you can connect with higher levels of your consciousness, initiate healing, or receive answers to life questions.

Many people experience changes in their dreams during a dark retreat:
they become clearer, more symbolic, and often carry a deep spiritual meaning.
Some see beings of light or gain insights into past lives – others simply feel peace and connectedness.

Darkness is the teacher in this process:
It takes control away from the mind so that the soul can speak.

Waking dreams – the awakening between dream and reality

A special phenomenon in dark retreats are so-called waking dreams.
You slip into a trance-like state in which you perceive images, voices, or energies while simultaneously knowing that you are awake.

Your consciousness remains stable while your body rests in deep relaxation.
These states are similar to the Yoga Nidra experiences from India—a conscious sleep that lies between dreaming and meditation.
Here, deep regeneration takes place, and at the same time, the door to inner wisdom opens.

How to prepare for lucid dreams and spiritual experiences during a dark retreat

1. Keep a dream journal before the retreat.
   • This will strengthen your dream recall and open your consciousness to subtle levels.
2. Meditate daily on your third eye.
   • You can gently touch the bindu point with sandalwood or kumkum, as is practiced in India.
3. Formulate a clear intention:
   • “I am open to lucid dreams, inner lights, and healing spiritual experiences.”
4. Trust the process. The darkness knows how to guide you—you don’t have to force anything.

Conclusion: In the darkness, the inner light awakens

A dark retreat is much more than a retreat—it is an initiation into your own consciousness.
In the darkness, lucid dreams, waking dreams, and visions begin, connecting you with your higher self.
The third eye opens, and you realize: The light you seek has always been within you.

If you are ready to embark on this deep inner journey,
find out more about dark retreats in the black forest and secure your place: