Reclaiming Solitude in the Dark 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 Covered** - **Growing 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 Takeaways** - **Solitude 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 Guest** - Website: samadhibodywork.com - Portfolio: adam-baraz.squarespace.com - Instagram: @adam\_baraz **Connect with Julian Royce** - YouTube: @AStateofMindPodcast - Spotify: A State of Mind Podcast - Website: AStateOfMindTherapy.com - Patreon: patreon.com/astateofmind - Venmo: @Julian-Royce - Instagram: @julianoceann - Music: SoundCloud **Special Thanks to Our Sponsors** - **MyFeelium (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 MyFeelium *Website Password:* opensesame *Discount Code for 20% off:* julian20 - **KA! Empathogenics (Kanna Blends):** kaempathogenics.com/JULIANROYCE - **EMR Tek (Blue Light Blocking):** emr-tek.com/JULIAN90864 - **Premium 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!