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Navigating the Dark Night of the Soul: A Personal Journey and Collective Awakening
Hello, my loves! Lais here, and I wanted to take a moment to dive into a topic that’s deeply personal yet universally significant—the Dark Night of the Soul. Recently, I ran a poll on Instagram, and it struck me that many people aren’t familiar with this term. So, let’s explore what it is, drawing from my own experiences and those of clients I’ve worked with. But before we delve into that, let’s touch on the historical origin of the Dark Night of the Soul.
The Historical Origin of the Dark Night of the Soul
The term “Dark Night of the Soul” has a long history, its roots extending beyond a simple Google search. Coined by mystic and poet Saint John of the Cross in the 16th century, this phrase describes a profound spiritual crisis and the intense, transformative process that follows. It symbolizes a journey through darkness, despair, and internal conflict, ultimately leading to spiritual awakening and renewal. Now, let’s bring this concept into a more contemporary light.
Triggers of the Dark Night of the Soul: Understanding the Catalysts
The journey into the Dark Night of the Soul can be prompted by a myriad of factors, each as unique as the individual experiencing it. One common catalyst is the resurgence of unresolved childhood traumas, haunting the present and demanding attention. These traumas act as powerful triggers, surfacing when least expected, forcing us to confront deep-seated wounds that may have been buried for years.
Another common trigger is the disintegration of significant relationships, whether through a breakup, betrayal, or the loss of a loved one. Such events can destabilize the foundations of our lives, leaving us questioning our identity, purpose, and connection to others.
Moreover, a profound spiritual awakening, while transformative, can also be a trigger for the Dark Night of the Soul. As one becomes more attuned to the spiritual realm, a floodgate of emotions and existential questions may open, challenging previously held beliefs and shaking the very core of one’s being. Additionally, major life transitions such as career changes, identity crises, or existential questioning can act as catalysts for this intense period of self-reflection and inner turmoil.
Understanding these triggers is crucial, as it allows individuals to recognize the root cause of their Dark Night of the Soul. By acknowledging and addressing these catalysts, one can embark on a journey of healing and transformation, turning the darkness into a profound opportunity for growth and self-discovery.
Unraveling the Dark Night of the Soul: A Personal Tale
My encounter with the Dark Night of the Soul began after a spiritual awakening in 2011. At that point, my life seemed to be falling apart—I felt lost in a corporate world that didn’t align with my true self, coupled with a toxic relationship and a sense of purposelessness. This tumultuous period triggered childhood traumas, pushing me into a state of profound suffering. It wasn’t just clinical depression; it felt like my soul was in pain, a sensation unlike anything I’d experienced before.
The Depths of Despair: A Long Night
Unlike the stereotypical image of a “night,” my Dark Night of the Soul extended for a year or two. It was more than just a night; it was a spiritual burnout, a questioning of life, purpose, and self-worth. The struggle was real, and at times, I found myself questioning the very essence of my existence. This is not uncommon, as the Dark Night of the Soul often prompts a complete reevaluation of one’s life and its meaning.
A Cry for Healing: The Turning Point
Amidst this despair, I had a pivotal moment on the bathroom floor—a breakdown that led me to reach out to a higher force, which I then called God. The message I received was clear: “You need to heal yourself.” This marked the beginning of my healing journey, a journey that took me to Thailand for a month but extended into a year of profound self-discovery. Through practices like chakra healing, Reiki, and self-awareness, I gradually emerged from the darkness.
From Darkness to Light: A Healing Business is Born
My healing journey not only transformed me but also led me to open my own healing business. While I label myself as a healer, it’s crucial to understand that the true healing power lies within each individual. My role is to hold a hand, shine a light on the darkness, and guide people out of their own Dark Night of the Soul.
The Collective Dark Night: A Global Awakening
Beyond individual experiences, I want to touch briefly on the collective Dark Night of the Soul that we’re collectively undergoing. At the time of writing this, we are in the 2nd month of Israel’s war in Gaza with the killing of thousands of innocent kids. We have the ongoing war in Ukraine and countless other wars and genocides.
In the face of global challenges, conflicts, and shadows emerging on a grand scale, it’s evident that our world is going through a collective awakening. Navigating this darkness collectively requires acknowledging the diverse emotional responses—be it numbing, fight or flight, or profound grief.
Embracing Emotions: A Call to Action
In this collective struggle, it’s essential to validate and embrace our emotions. Whether it’s anger, grief, or sacred rage, each emotion has its place in our collective healing process. Acknowledging these feelings is a crucial step in moving forward, taking action, and fostering a deeper understanding of the challenges we face as a global community.
Conclusion: You Are Loved in the Darkness
To those experiencing an individual or collective Dark Night of the Soul, know that you are loved deeply and completely by a divine force—whatever that force may be for you. It might be called God, Allah, Buddha, or your higher self, but there is a guiding presence that wishes to support and love you. Amidst the suffering and confusion, quieting the mind becomes paramount—a challenging but transformative practice.
So, my dears, whether you’re navigating your personal journey through the Dark Night of the Soul or contributing to our collective awakening, remember that love and understanding are powerful tools. Feel free to share your experiences or ask questions, for it’s through open dialogue that we collectively navigate the profound terrain of our souls. Wishing you a beautiful day and take care, my dearest!
