What Happens After The Dark Night Of The Soul?
Are you feeling lost, confused, and exhausted? Have you been through a difficult time recently and don’t know what to do next? Then this blog is for you. We are here to help you explore the depths of your psyche and embrace the journey of self-discovery that comes after the dark night of the soul.
So get ready to explore a world of possibility, healing, and transformation – when you look back, you suddenly realize it was such a blessing. You will never know what lies beyond that deep darkness!
What Happens After The Dark Night Of The Soul?
The Dark Night of the Soul is a spiritual concept that has been around for centuries (Dark Night Of The Soul Stages), referring to a period of intense inner turmoil and spiritual questioning.
The phrase itself was first used by Spanish mystic Saint John of the Cross in the 16th century. Since then, it has been used extensively by religious and spiritual teachers to describe a deep-seated discontentment or sense of being lost. It is often seen as a test of faith or an opportunity for growth.
For some, entering this phase can feel confusing and isolating – almost like the universe is playing tricks on them. For others, it may be viewed as an important part of their spiritual awakening; one that is necessary to gain insight into their true calling and purpose in life.
Regardless of how it’s experienced, understanding what it is and how to move beyond it is essential for anyone seeking to live more authentically.
What is the Dark Night of the Soul?
The dark night of the soul is a term used by spiritual teachers in a variety of spiritual traditions. It is used to describe a time when an individual feels completely disconnected from God and experiences deep suffering, despair, doubt, and confusion about their life and path.
This experience can often be so intense that it leads to a complete reevaluation of life. In this period, it is normal for one to experience feelings such as loneliness, sadness, guilt, fear, and confusion as they seek answers from within themselves to find clarity and move forward in their lives.
People can also feel pulled towards looking outside themselves for answers – which could include things like seeking therapy or even ridding themselves of religious beliefs altogether.
Causes of the Dark Night of the Soul
The Dark Night of the Soul is one of the most difficult spiritual struggles that an individual can face.
In essence, it is an intense feeling of being alone and disconnected from traditional sources of support and comfort. This distressful state can arise due to a variety of causes, including:
- Life changes
- Spiritual growth
- Trauma
- Spiritual crises
- Losses
The Dark Night of the Soul can be precipitated by a major life change such as a relationship ending or a job change.
It may also arise during or after major life events like birthdays, graduations, and weddings. It is also associated with spiritual development as an individual’s faith is tested in different ways; this strain will ultimately help them to grow in their relationship with God.
People may also experience this state due to trauma that they have experienced as a result of physical, emotional, or mental abuse.
This may take the form of depression or extreme anxiety which comes on suddenly and leaves them feeling confused and hopeless about their prospects and life goals.
Symptoms of the Dark Night of the Soul
The Dark Night of the Soul is often associated with depression and a sense of inner darkness or emptiness.
Symptoms vary greatly but generally include a deep feeling of despair or sadness, confusion or loss of meaning, difficulty sleeping, irritability, physical exhaustion, and negative thoughts about oneself.
This experience can last for weeks, months, or even years but the result is usually a profound spiritual transformation that brings about inner healing and renewal.
The final phase of the experience is known as the “lightening“: when one’s eyes are opened to see life from a new perspective and with greater clarity than before.
In addition to feelings of liberation and renewed insight, other outcomes that may occur after going through the Dark Night of the Soul may include:
- Improved mental health (such as reduction in symptoms related to depression)
- More meaningful relationships with others
- Greater contentment in life overall
- An appreciation for beauty within oneself and others.
Coping Strategies for the Dark Night of the Soul
Although the dark night of the soul can be difficult to endure, here are some coping strategies you can use when going through this painful process:
- Acknowledge your feelings – Allow yourself to feel whatever you are experiencing without judgment or criticism.
- Reach out for help – Find support systems – whether that be family members, friends, faith-based support groups, or professional therapists – who will listen without judgment and provide essential guidance during this fragile period in life.
- Engage in self-care practices – Practicing self-care activities such as journaling, exercising, eating healthy meals/snacks, etc.
- Practice expressive prayer/meditation – Embracing serenity amidst chaos through prayer or guided meditations can assist people going through difficult circumstances find inner strength and courage.
- Practice Gratitude– When we practice gratitude, we focus our attention on experiences that lift us rather than tear us down–which naturally helps us cope with any type of emotional stress we may face during challenging times in our lives.
Spiritual Growth and Transformation After the Dark Night of the Soul
The experience of the dark night of the soul can be seen as an essential step in spiritual transformation and growth.
This state of inner turmoil often leaves one feeling lost and confused, which can lead to feelings of helplessness and despair.
Yet, the experience can inspire a deeper connection to your authentic self, a realm that lies beyond any sense of limitation or suffering. It is from this space that we can move forward with courage, reconnecting to our spiritual roots and tapping into infinite potential.
As we go through the fire within ourselves during this dark period in life, great amounts of energy are released, enabling us to see ourselves differently than before – all at once connected yet separate from what happens around us in this momentary world.
The darkness yields clarity and renewal so that it becomes easier to continually discover new ways on how best to live each day as if it were our last – when it’s really just the beginning!
