Understanding the "Dark Night of the Soul": What It Is, How to Identify It, and Navigating Through it.
The phrase "Dark Night of the Soul" may sound foreboding, yet it represents a profound spiritual or psychological process that many individuals experience during their life journey. Originating from the 16th-century writings of Saint John of the Cross, the term describes a period of deep inner turmoil and transformation that can lead to greater clarity, purpose, and connection with oneself.
What is the Dark Night of the Soul?
The Dark Night of the Soul is not merely a moment of sadness or depression but a period of spiritual desolation where one feels disconnected from their sense of purpose, identity, or higher power. It’s often marked by feelings of emptiness, confusion, and loss, yet it serves as a catalyst for profound personal growth. This process strips away illusions, false beliefs, and attachments, making room for authenticity and deeper alignment with one's true self.
Unlike ordinary struggles, the Dark Night of the Soul is deeply existential, often raising questions like:
Who am I without my roles, titles, or accomplishments?
What is my true purpose?
Why do I feel disconnected despite having achieved so much?
How to Determine if You Are Experiencing a Dark Night of the Soul
While each person's experience is unique, some common signs indicate you may be undergoing this transformative process:
Profound Inner Restlessness: You feel unsettled even though there’s no obvious external cause. Things that used to bring joy may now feel hollow.
Loss of Meaning: Activities, relationships, or goals that once provided fulfillment seem irrelevant or unimportant.
Intense Emotional Turmoil: Feelings of grief, despair, or confusion surface without clear triggers, often accompanied by a sense of being spiritually "lost."
Isolation and Loneliness: You may feel disconnected from others and struggle to articulate what you’re going through.
A Desire for Deeper Understanding: Despite the pain, you feel compelled to seek truth, whether through self-reflection, spirituality, or other means.
How to Successfully Navigate the Dark Night of the Soul
Though challenging, the Dark Night of the Soul is an opportunity for profound growth. Here are strategies to help you navigate this transformative period:
Surrender to the Process: Resist the urge to "fix" or escape the discomfort. Instead, acknowledge and accept your feelings as valid and part of the journey.
Cultivate Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with kindness and patience. Understand that transformation takes time and that it’s okay to not have all the answers.
Engage in Reflection: Journaling, meditation, or prayer can help you explore the deeper questions arising during this time.
Seek Support: Reach out to trusted friends, spiritual advisors, or therapists who can provide perspective and encouragement without judgment.
Focus on Presence: Practicing mindfulness or grounding exercises can help you stay connected to the present moment rather than getting lost in despair.
Explore Spiritual Practices: Whether through reading sacred texts, attending spiritual gatherings, or engaging in rituals, reconnecting with your spiritual core can bring solace.
Be Patient: The Dark Night is not a quick process. Trust that it will pass and lead you to a place of greater clarity and peace.
The Light at the End of the Tunnel
Emerging from the Dark Night of the Soul often feels like a rebirth. You may find a renewed sense of purpose, a deeper connection to yourself and others, and a clearer understanding of what truly matters. While the process can be painful, it’s a profound reminder that growth often arises from discomfort and that every ending carries the seed of a new beginning.
If you suspect you are experiencing a Dark Night of the Soul, know that you are not alone. Embrace the journey as an invitation to rediscover the light within—a light that shines even in the darkest moments.
A great spiritual teacher and mentor of mine told me that not everyone goes through a Dark Night of the Soul. Although some think they do. It’s usually those of us who are on a very fast paced spiritual growth phase. We came here, to earth, and asked to learn all of our lessons to ascend a higher state more quickly, but that brings with it more pain and loss too.
A “newer soul” couldn’t possibly handle the turmoil and loss that comes with this phase. So, they are often spared of that. An old soul like me will most likely have a few of them. And trust me I’ve had a few of them in my life. I’ve lost and had to start all over again and lost and has start all over again a few times. And each time emerging as a different person. Getting better and better. Although at the time it doesn’t seem like it. Sometimes you have to hit rock bottom before you can find the strength to climb up even higher.
The past year has certainly proven I’ve been in a very deep dark night of the soul. That comes on top of being in my second Saturn return for those of you who are familiar with astrology. As I feel I’m coming to the end of this sometime this year, I’m finally able to talk and write about it.
I’ve been caring this load for a while, but not alone this time. This time I’ve had to help and support and great amazing friends. You know who you are! I want to tell you how much I love and appreciate you! I’m grateful for you for never letting go and always being there for me.
In the past, I’ve done these all alone. But having friends support me has been the greatest gift in all of this. Like they say, you know who your friends are when you go through times of great tragedy.
I’m still not sure where I’m going to end up and what my new purpose will be, and new life will be when I emerge from this and let go of all this turmoil that has been going on. But being through this before, each time the outcome is better. At this age and stage in my life this is got to be my last one and my true purpose will finally be revealed, and I will live it for whatever time I have left on this planet.
Much Love and Blessings,
Lisa Alexander
If you think you are going through a Dark Night of the Soul, please feel free to reach out to me for guidance along the way. I’ve become quite experienced in this over six decades of my life. But now I am gaining a better understanding and hopefully can shed some light on it for others.