Anthony Joshua is nearing the conclusion of a £2,000 darkness retreat encounter, during which the esteemed ex-world champion has immersed himself in complete darkness for a duration of four days.
This particular style of retreat, although not widely embraced, is favored by several prominent athletes, such as NFL star Aaron Rodgers, who utilize it as a means of meditative practice to foster introspection.
This unique experience can be employed prior to significant choices or as a technique to fortify the mind. Prior to undertaking the retreat in February, Rodgers expressed his eager anticipation for the endeavor.
On Monday, Joshua posted on social media: ‘Myself and [my friend] are about to embrace the darkness and solitude for four days (separate rooms). ‘Isolated with nothing to do except relax and clear the mind while being immersed in infinite darkness.’ He will emerge on Friday.
The 34-year-old has been fed via food passed into the room but there has been no social interaction or light all week.
Rodgers, in March, said of his experience: ‘It was a great reset for me, for my body and my mind,’ the 39-year-old said of the four-day excursion. ‘Maybe a little bit longer than I needed. I feel like by the time I got to the fourth day, I was like, ”Alright, I’m ready to come out”.’
During his stay at the SkyCave retreat in Oregon, Rodgers mentioned that he encountered hallucinations on the third day. The retreat, as depicted on their website, offers a similar environment to what Joshua will experience, featuring modest furnishings for his stay in complete darkness.
To ensure a continuous state of darkness, participants are required to wear a blacked-out eye mask throughout the duration of the retreat. It is not uncommon for them to be filmed removing the masks at the end, capturing their adjustment back to daylight for social media purposes.
At Rodgers’ retreat, he was provided with a yoga mat and a light switch, should he require it. As Joshua nears the end of his illustrious career, he has achieved remarkable success, ranging from being an Olympic champion to a two-time world champion, solidifying his status as a British icon. However, he may have a few regrets along the way.
‘I would have been more disciplined,’ he said, reflecting on how his career may have gone if he’d considered mental health more earlier on in his career. ‘I don’t know if that would have made me better, but I would have done things more professionally.’
