Dark Night of the Soul

Ego Patterns Soften, and Soul Wisdom Emerges

You may be struggling to make sense of something that has happened or is happening now. As a consequence, you may be questioning your beliefs or the meaning your life had before. Our beliefs, purpose and perspectives provide safety. Challenging them takes bravery, and doing so can, for a short time, create a void within us. This “dark night of the soul” can feel crushing, but on the other side, when the dawn comes, you will realize it is liberating. Think of Pandora opening her box and releasing pain and suffering. Once life’s miseries had been let out, one thing remained in the box: hope. As you journey through your dark night, courageously questioning your purpose, your beliefs and who you are, you are freeing pain and disharmony from your inner world. Beneath it, you will find hope and peace. Should you feel like you are stumbling in the dark, know you are healing, growing and coming closer to hope. Keep going. Know that darkness and suffering are not the only pathways to peace. As you move to happier times, you will bring with you the power and strength to draw from the spring of your newfound harmony.

Shadow Mastery Class: Keep Your Eyes on the Hope Ahead

Meditation

Place your hand on the card. Gently close your eyes. Sense your body and concentrate on your breathing. Follow your breath inward. Hold for five seconds and relax. Breathe out and release all tension. Focus on the middle of your chest.

In front of you, a golden staircase descends into the earth. Relax as you walk down the ten healing steps to a magical, amethyst crystal cave. With each step, you feel yourself drawn deeper into the silent space within-into your inner world.

Step into the amethyst cave and greet your shadow. In front of you is a door with “Dark Night of the Soul” written on it. The door opens, and you enter a beautiful night landscape lit gently by a waning crescent moon. Due to the dim light, your steps are unsure and tentative at first. Soon you attune your senses to perceive a path-you are “seeing” with your inner eye and feeling more confident. The path spirals downwards into your beautiful depths. As you follow the path, you notice the air is crisp and filled with the aroma of sage. You feel comfortable with the darkness and trust your inner senses to guide you through the unseen. You feel safe and protected and bless the darkness.

A bright light begins to shine from deep within you. This illumination is your inner day star, your sun, an inner source of light and warmth that is always accessible. A pleasant tingling sensation accompanies the glow that radiates from your body. Rays of healing spread through you as a gentle warmth. Youa re as comfortable with the dark night as with the daylight. Bless the appearance of the light as you blessed the darkness that preceded it. Let this energy permeate every part of you. Stay here for as long as you like-at least thirty seconds.

Begin to walk back along the spiral path. Now it is illuminated and bright, and answers reveal themselves as you move upward. Walk back through the door into the amethyst cave. The door’s name has changed to “Day Light of the Soul.”

Walk to the golden staircase. As you ascend, you understand that darkness leads to your light and potential. When you feel broken, light shines through the cracks to reveal once-hidden paths to your desires.

Acknowledge your courage in this transformational process, and thank your shadow for showing you the way when you thought you couldn’t see it. At the top of the stairs, take two deep breaths and open your eyes. Welcome the light of your life.

Inspired Insights, Reflections and Actions

The dark night of the soul is a spiritual crisis that leads to illumination, as described by the Spanish monk Saint John of the Cross. Carl Jung expanded on this principle to include a psychological as well as a spiritual perspective. The dark night of the soul comes as an opportunity for change. It can be prompted by a crisis, but sometimes the exact reason is unclear. If you are going through a dark night, accept that the light will return and ride the wave. Pushing against it will not hurry the sunrise. Breathe, go into yourself and search for, wait for, your awakening truth. Moving your boy can provide comfort and clarity during a dark night of the soul, as it allows stagnant thoughts and energy to shift and flow into the ground. Take your shoes off and walk or dance around the house. When you feel you can, go outside and walk on the grass. You may also like to try some yoga-research and try the series of yoga poses called “Salute to the Sun.”

Journal Work

Write or draw about three times you thought you would never get through. Reflect on what these experiences have in common. Realize that you are much stronger than you ever thought.