In ancient times and across cultures, darkness meditation was often practiced in dark caves and other dark spaces as a means to connect with spiritual energies and obtain deeper levels of awareness. Today it is one of the most popular forms of meditation because it can help reduce stress and improve physical well-being. However, many people wonder is it better to meditate in the dark or should I keep the lights on? There is no right or wrong answer - it just depends on your preferences and needs.
If you do decide to try darkness meditation, it is important to be comfortable and free of distractions. Choose a room that is not used for sleeping and is quiet and cool, but not too cold. The key is to not have a strong reaction to the darkness, so it may be helpful to work on changing any negative associations you might have about it. You can do this by re-framing how you think of it, for example, thinking of it as a blank slate or your time in the womb.
Another benefit of dark meditation is that it allows you to focus more easily and deeply on your mindfulness practice because the lack of visual stimulation makes it easier to ignore other thoughts and feelings that distract you. Additionally, regular darkness meditation has been linked to improved sleep because it can help you calm the mind and body for a restful night.