Dark Retreat & Transformational Solitude with Adam Baraz

🚨 What actually happens when you sit alone in pitch-black darkness for 49 days?In this episode of A State of Mind, host Julian Royce sits down with somatic psychologist, counselor, and meditation guide Adam Baraz. Growing up as the son of Spirit Rock co-founder James Baraz, Adam has spent a decade exploring human transformation, trauma, and expanded states of consciousness.Together, they dive deep into the world of darkness retreats, from 24-hour unplugs to 49-day solitary journeys. Adam shares the neurochemical shifts of light deprivation (from Melatonin to Pinoline and DMT), navigating extreme dopamine detoxes, working with internal sub-personalities (IFS/Hakomi), and reclaiming the lost art of true solitude in an overstimulated world.If you have ever been curious about extreme meditation practices, mind-body healing, or breaking free from digital addiction, this conversation offers profound insights into meeting yourself in the dark.Main Topics CoveredGrowing Up in the Dharma: What it was like growing up with spirit leaders and how Adam carved his own path in somatic psychology.The Extreme Sport of Meditation: The mechanics, mindset, and experience of undergoing 49-day darkness retreats.The Chemistry of Darkness: Exploring the neurochemical shifts from Melatonin to Pinoline and 5-MeO-DMT during prolonged light deprivation.The Ultimate Dopamine Reset: How complete solitude acts as a powerful detox for phone addiction, comfort, and social validation.Parts Work in the Dark: Using Hakomi and Internal Family Systems (IFS) to dialogue with sub-personalities and shadow archetypes while alone.Reclaiming Chronos vs. Kairos Time: Unplugging from clock time and returning to the natural, organic rhythms of nature and the body.Key TakeawaysSolitude is a Modern Medicine: Stepping away from constant noise and distraction allows your nervous system to reset and bring dormant self-knowledge to the surface.Healing Requires Equanimity: Darkness retreats act as an "equanimity gym", amplifying physical and emotional discomfort so you can learn to meet yourself with compassion.Integration is Key: The real challenge is not just entering the dark, but bringing the insights and ego dissolution back into everyday social life.Connect with the GuestWebsite: samadhibodywork.comPortfolio: adam-baraz.squarespace.comInstagram: @adam_barazConnect with Julian RoyceYouTube: @AStateofMindPodcastSpotify: A State of Mind PodcastWebsite: AStateOfMindTherapy.comPatreon: patreon.com/astateofmindVenmo: @Julian-RoyceInstagram: @julianoceannMusic: SoundCloudSpecial Thanks to Our SponsorsMyFeelium (Curated Nootropic & Mushroom Blends):MyFeelium combines ancient medicine with science backed nootropics and adaptogens. Discover their expertly tailored mushroom and herbal products:Get 20% Off MyFeeliumWebsite Password: opensesameDiscount Code for 20% off: julian20KA! Empathogenics (Kanna Blends): kaempathogenics.com/JULIANROYCEEMR Tek (Blue Light Blocking): emr-tek.com/JULIAN90864Premium Ural Mountain Shilajit: astateofmindpodcast.com (Message Julian on the site for 20% off)Please leave a thumbs up, comment, or subscribe on YouTube, and leave a 5-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Sharing this episode with friends keeps our alternative mental health platform free!