Aaron Rodgers seems to have had a profound impact on Rudy Gobert and how the center is approaching his career with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
After a challenging first year with the Timberwolves, Gobert, known for his defensive prowess, reached out to the New York Jets quarterback last offseason to discuss darkness retreats, as reported by ESPN.
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Rodgers had previously disclosed completing a four-day darkness retreat at Sky Cave in Oregon.
“We are constantly bombarded by distractions in our lives,” Gobert explained to ESPN.
“We are consumed by what we see, hear, and read on our phones. This leaves little room for us to truly be alone with our thoughts.”
Why did this concept attract Gobert?
Gobert, a three-time Defensive Player of the Year, had long been fascinated by the concept of a darkness retreat.
A darkness retreat involves a meditation practice where an individual stays in a lightless environment.
Scott Berman, owner of Sky Cave Retreats, explained to CNN last year that people undertake this practice for various reasons, ranging from self-discovery and relaxation to exploring consciousness and deepening meditation.
“When someone enters darkness, all the usual distractions like money, fame, power, and status lose their significance,” Berman shared with CNN.
“In the absence of light, one is left with the present moment, revealing what truly matters, whether it’s love, forgiveness, or peace, and this experience begins to transform them by connecting them with what is most meaningful.”
Gobert told ESPN that he perceived external noise, from both the media and other players, as a “false narrative,” prompting him to seek a place devoid of distractions.
He booked his retreat in May before Team France’s World Cup training camp and spent 64 hours in complete darkness.
During this time, Gobert engaged in exercises like push-ups and squats, describing the experience as “meditation times a thousand.”
“It was an incredibly impactful experience,” Gobert continued.
“It felt like a profound reset and a significant checkpoint in my life. I felt immense gratitude as I reflected on my journey, experiences, and the wonderful people around me. It reaffirmed that I was exactly where I needed to be.”
Gobert emphasized that being in darkness reveals one’s inner thoughts and emotions.
As Gobert spoke positively about this transformative experience, he saw improvements in his performance with the Timberwolves, aiding them in securing the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference.
During the regular season, Gobert‘s averages rose to 14 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks compared to the previous season.
