Molnar-Varghese, S. (2022). What are the transpersonal effects of intentional, guided, light-deprivation over an extended period of time on the conscious self? [Unpublished Master’s thesis]. Alef Trust & Liverpool John Moores University.

This research explored the question: what are the transpersonal effects of intentional, guided, light-deprivation (darkness) over an extended period of time on the conscious self? This, explored through the lens of the author and as experienced by the study participants, all of whom attended the same darkness workshop held by the Sacred Trust in 2019. The research reflects my own interest in darkness and explored how sighted-individuals reacted and interacted when placed in an unknown, unfamiliar environment without external vision – and how this disruption in normal reality served as a catalyst for personal growth. The research itself is a qualitative, cross-sectional analysis using Evocative Autoethnography (Bochner & Ellis, 2016), that seeks to delve into and express deeply the human experience of a transformative process, expressed through storytelling. The research follows five participants from their arrival, to their lived experiences and the contributing factors thereof and through to their evolution and incorporation of those unique experiences to the present day, covering a span of three years. The individuals, 3 males and 2 females, ranging in ages from 45-65, come from all walks of life and various occupations, and live spread across four countries, on two continents. The overall product in addition to this dissertation is an Evocative Autoethnographic narrative, a non-chronological composite story, with the intent to evoke a thought-provoking emotional response from the reader. The framework of the narrative is based on the common themes found across the participant interviews and using specific quotes taken directly from the participant interviews. his narrative covers the importance of the container of the experience; the role of belief systems; altered states of consciousness as a catalyst of understanding, consciousness expansion and personal growth; deep self-reflection of one’s own attitudes and motivations (fear vs. acceptance); and the sometimes-profound iterative integration of insights gleaned into daily the participant’s daily life (confirmation, separation, changing careers).