Dark Night Of The Soul: Spiritual Crisis - The Dark Night Of The Soul

[Old Soul]

I found this article the other day on the web and thought it was very very good, here is the link for those who would like to read it

scroll to the bottom to get the article

Dark Night Of The Soul: Spiritual Crisis - The Dark Night Of The Soul

[DaveTyler]

Oh I been through this thanks

[Max Power]

This is a religious god thing right? It looked really long winded and boring, so I didn't read it all, did the devil do it? Is that how it ends??

[DaveTyler]

No man:P haha its about AWAKENING to reality. It gots to do with kundalini energy which actually is the "holy spirit" itself so no devil man.

[Maguru]

Do you mean you have been through a spiritual crisis? I am really interested in learning more about this. Would you care to talk about it?

[DaveTyler]

Id love to elaborate and talk more if u got MSN or AIM?

[openeyes]

"spiritual crisis, spiritual madness, spiritual emergency, divine madness, holy madness... these are various phrases that have been used to describe a unique experience - a profound test of faith and spiritual endurance - that seems to be a necessary part of walking the path home to God. You cannot find the Light unless you enter the darkness."

"It is ironic that along with the rapture of remembering our divine connection, there can be intense feelings of depression, madness, detachment, hopelessness and an extraordinary loneliness that is not only relentless but may last for months or years on end."

It's no surprise that meditation books don't widely advertise this.

Both I and a friend have had strong experiences of that. Funny how there's so little support in our culture for dealing with such things, even among spiritually oriented groups. People are mostly told about the rosy sides of the spiritual path, not all the stuff it can dig up that must be then dealt with. Serious work can get messy, but it's an adventure sport like no other.

[Old Soul]

It is ironic that along with the rapture of remembering our divine connection, there can be intense feelings of depression, madness, detachment, hopelessness and an extraordinary loneliness that is not only relentless but may last for months or years on end."

Agreed and on a spiritual level, I do not believe you can reach heavens heights without first wallowing in hells despair :-)


Tis truly a beautiful view
is it not?
Upon a breast of dawn
especially after a dark night
when the clouds rolled in sight
and the darkness went on and on.....

[Old Soul]

This is a religious god thing right? It looked really long winded and boring

no ... it is actually really good material, there truly is an authentic truth when you hear people say phrases like , out of despair I rise! or Heaven is bessed viewed from the pits of hell.....

suffering ( personal inner spiritual struggles) develops your spiritual growth, whichever path you chose for your spiritual journey

[Maguru]

I am happy to see the dark side of awakening coming to light. There is no understanding or very little in my culture to support this time of suffering. The judgements and myths and stigmas are enough to destroy you.
My own personal suffering and loss throughout this process has been soul destroying (if I have one.)
I have gained what I term as 'home grown wisdom' but it doesn't ease the burden. The feelings of loneliness and despair continue to overwhelm me. It seems the more I know the less I want to know. Is anyone else experiencing this in their process?
I am not wanting an agony aunt to advise me. I am aware of my path. I would like to know that I am not alone, that is all.

[Old Soul]

The feelings of loneliness and despair continue to overwhelm me. It seems the more I know the less I want to know

Totally understand, this is what I mean by "crisis", it is your opportunity to grow, after every "dark night" I come out with a greater insight, a new poem, a deeper love for family and friends...... and more compassion for the people of this world.......... it is awsome!!!!

[zepplin]

Hi all!

This is my first post on the forum so I'd just like to say a 'hello' to everyone here, also sorry to bump this old thread but I just found it whilst searching on Google.

Basically I'm pretty sure this happened to me in my early twenties. At the time I realised what happened to me could be termed as 'part of a Spiritual Crisis' but I never realised that it actually had the name 'Dark Night of the Soul'. Which, quite frankly, is a bloody good name for it!

I'm sure that this may tarnish the validity of the above statement when I say that it was actually Psilocybin (Mushroom) induced and happened very near Glastonbury Tor, England. After reading several accounts of the Dark Night I would say that what happened was, for me anyway, pretty much if not worse then as described.

Since it happened, which is almost 10 years ago now, I still think about the effect it had on me and how it has influenced my descisions, thoughts and actions these past ten years. I personally would sum it up as the biggest slap in the face I've had in my entire life, just to give you some idea!

If anyone is interested in this subject, or if it would help anyone to come to grips with their own experince then I have a very expressive piece of writing I did at the time which descibes how I felt. What I went through was scary, luckerly I had the support of my great parents to get me through. If you are experimenting with this make sure you have someone too!

[Betrade]

Many Saints and other throughout the ages have had this experience. Some call it spiritual"dryness" or an inability to sense the presence God, to pray effectively, etc.

Mother Teresa went through it for years and I believe she may have written about it, but never really wavered in her overall mission.

I guess we could all take a lesson for her to just keep muddling through when it comes; as well as remember the words "This too shall pass".

It almost feels like God pulls back a bit from time to time. Maybe it's some kind of test or a means to a deeper faith, because when these times come, it takes even more faith and strength to hang on and keep moving ahead.

[Maguru]

Originally Posted by Old Soul

Totally understand, this is what I mean by "crisis", it is your opportunity to grow, after every "dark night" I come out with a greater insight, a new poem, a deeper love for family and friends...... and more compassion for the people of this world.......... it is awsome!!!!

This thread came up on Google and I am so surprised it was glossed over so quickly. One poor chap just posted the once without a response. I chose to respond to this post as it gives two sides to our spiritual awakenings and I think Old Soul is still here.

I believe both sides need to be experienced as a whole in order that we can recognize our own creations. Spiritual awakening brings awareness and responsibility for the negatives within ourselves as well as the positive. regards

[HarryManback]

zepplin, please contact me sleepingsleeperssleep@gmail.com i need your help.

[Solipsist]

Thanks for posting this article, Old Soul (I, too, have often called myself an "old soul").

I have recently recovered from an experience that I am only now realizing may have been this "dark night." In my case, I was praying for death before sleeping. The next morning (or sometime after that, anyway), I realized gratitude, and the concept that I was not my thoughts about anything, and my life and my Self has been miraculously unfolding since. I don't know if it would qualify by encyclopaedic definition, but there were some seriously dark nights there, for a bit.

I said it elsewhere (in a thread that I think was locked or deleted), but I'll say it again here: It is darkest before the dawn.

[ChrisL]

There was a really helpful book about going through the whole process of fully seeing ourselves by St John of the Cross called "The Dark Night of the Soul". I thought I had a clear understanding of this until I read this book and was amazed at what I didn't know.

[Andrew Brunelle]

No offense to the OP, but this article left me wanting more. It was not quite long or detailed enough. I believe Steve also wrote about the Dark Night of the Soul and I enjoyed his post much better.

I have to say that the dark night of the soul is something many of us have been through, including myself. It is a very painful time in one's life, and I can attest to that. I did some things I later regretted, and really needed some guidance. This is when I found Steve's website and things have changed for the better since then. I have a compass in life and know where I am heading, at least for now.

But we all need help through this dark time, so if you are experiencing this dark night, please reach out for help from someone who has already been through this experience.

[rufus]

With all the vulnerabilities and frailties that are part-and-parcel to the Human experience it becomes necessary to experience a Dark Night of the Soul in order to truly move into the light. Just look to the life and times of Jesus of Nazareth, Gautama Siddartha (Buddha), Gandhi, Mother Teresa for examples. They all experienced their own Dark Night of the Soul to reach beyond our worldly understanding. It has been through personal experience that you cannot truly appreciate Life, Love, and the simple offerrings without first loosing everything and experiencing your Dark Night. There is much truth the old saying, "No pain, no gain".

[bluedragon]

I like how the author of the article recommends Caroline Myss's tapes. I listen to her show on HayHouseRadio every week, and she's one of those few very special people I'm extremely grateful to have come across in my life!

[Tanyawa]

Originally Posted by Maguru

Do you mean you have been through a spiritual crisis? I am really interested in learning more about this. Would you care to talk about it?

Did you find your answers about Spiritual Crisis? I am going through a Dark Night of the Soul right now if you want to learn more I can tell you all about it

[Tanyawa]

Originally Posted by Solipsist

Thanks for posting this article, Old Soul (I, too, have often called myself an "old soul").

I have recently recovered from an experience that I am only now realizing may have been this "dark night." In my case, I was praying for death before sleeping. The next morning (or sometime after that, anyway), I realized gratitude, and the concept that I was not my thoughts about anything, and my life and my Self has been miraculously unfolding since. I don't know if it would qualify by encyclopaedic definition, but there were some seriously dark nights there, for a bit.

I said it elsewhere (in a thread that I think was locked or deleted), but I'll say it again here: It is darkest before the dawn.

Something tells me that is true: Darkest before the Dawn. I am in a really dark period right now and I am expecting my Spiritual Crisis to lift soon. I don't how I know it will end soon, I can just feel it.

[Maguru]

Originally Posted by Tanyawa

Did you find your answers about Spiritual Crisis? I am going through a Dark Night of the Soul right now if you want to learn more I can tell you all about it

Thanks for your response and I am interested in your experience if you wish to share it.

I am a bit shocked to read my previous post in 2007. Good god, where has the time gone and I still feel the same. The dark night has been many years now. The last few days has seen my hopes and dreams totally trashed, the one's I have been hanging on to for years. Reality took their place. A harsh reality that I have to accept.

Got nothing now. Nothing to look forward to, nothing I desire, no-one to love.
No close friends or family. Suddenly very very tired of life. If there is another side to this then I can't see it. I cannot reconcile with my life. That was one huge illusion I lived under. It's been terribly hard to break through this. I wish I hadn't but again the truth is the truth and it is supposed to set you free.

regards

[nicbrahms]

Originally Posted by Maguru

Thanks for your response and I am interested in your experience if you wish to share it.

I am a bit shocked to read my previous post in 2007. Good god, where has the time gone and I still feel the same. The dark night has been many years now. The last few days has seen my hopes and dreams totally trashed, the one's I have been hanging on to for years. Reality took their place. A harsh reality that I have to accept.

Got nothing now. Nothing to look forward to, nothing I desire, no-one to love.
No close friends or family. Suddenly very very tired of life. If there is another side to this then I can't see it. I cannot reconcile with my life. That was one huge illusion I lived under. It's been terribly hard to break through this. I wish I hadn't but again the truth is the truth and it is supposed to set you free.

regards

Maguru I am sorry to hear that you are feeling this way.

I too, have just awoken from a state that was like a nightmare, only today I had given up laid in bed, screaming for an end to this pain and even my partner reflected how bad I felt.

It lasted for weeks this one and it caught me unawares, and today when I finally broke out, showered and came to my store and opened it, it was as if I had just awoken from a bad dream. Nothing seems real right now, and I am shocked by how far I had been pulled under in this one. I lost all sense of time and sensibility.

I know i will find my way back to God and become stronger, I am still reeling in the shock of its depths, I didn't think I would make it outta this one for a time.

However, here I am, and I will flourish and thrive as you will too my friend.

There has to be light at the end of the tunnel, or we would all be lost.

Peace and love to all as always.

[old dead wood]

So how does the Dark Night overlap with clinical depression or even a nervous breakdown? Remember, right before Eckhart Tolle had his breakthrough, he had been suicidally depressed and anxious for years. On the night he realized, it was so bad it forced him into an observer / observed consciousness, he swooned, then woke up the next morning "awake". Many stories like this exist. I had anxious depression, and a nervous-exhaustion breakdown when my brain just stopped and I felt like I couldn't go on due to the fear. No "realization" afterwords, though. However my brain "circuits" felt "burnt out" for months and I never fully recovered. I WAS VERY IMPRESSED AND AWED BY THIS NEGATIVE EXPERIENCE, like another reality had been opened up. Why would some people have an enlightenment experience, and others would check into a mental hospital or end it all ?

[Lakshyayidhi Lakshmihi]

Originally Posted by old dead wood

So how does the Dark Night overlap with clinical depression or even a nervous breakdown?

It's the same thing. See also St. Augustine, Oscar Wilde's essay De Profundis, the writings of William James especially - the founder of psychology of religion in the west.

Why would some people have an enlightenment experience, and others would check into a mental hospital or end it all ?

Fear.

Fear is bred into our very epigenome. That's why the cycle of death and rebirth takes place. In the Yoga Sutras Patanjali likens this process to gold being burned at high temperatures to vaporize impurities. Same process, ouch, so painful sometimes! But, pain is good because otherwise we would all sit on our asses smiling and not doing anything.

[Maguru]

Originally Posted by nicbrahms

Maguru I am sorry to hear that you are feeling this way.

I too, have just awoken from a state that was like a nightmare, only today I had given up laid in bed, screaming for an end to this pain and even my partner reflected how bad I felt.

It lasted for weeks this one and it caught me unawares, and today when I finally broke out, showered and came to my store and opened it, it was as if I had just awoken from a bad dream. Nothing seems real right now, and I am shocked by how far I had been pulled under in this one. I lost all sense of time and sensibility.

I know i will find my way back to God and become stronger, I am still reeling in the shock of its depths, I didn't think I would make it outta this one for a time.

However, here I am, and I will flourish and thrive as you will too my friend.

There has to be light at the end of the tunnel, or we would all be lost.

Peace and love to all as always.

Although your account is painful , I found it quite beautiful. I think it is your humanity I see and it's as real as anything I have seen in a long time. It is extremely comforting but I don't know why. I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy and yet I can honour and appreciate you for your strength and courage. You did make it outta there. Take a bow, Nic. warmest regards

[nicbrahms]

Originally Posted by Maguru

Although your account is painful , I found it quite beautiful. I think it is your humanity I see and it's as real as anything I have seen in a long time. It is extremely comforting but I don't know why. I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy and yet I can honour and appreciate you for your strength and courage. You did make it outta there. Take a bow, Nic. warmest regards

Thank you and your words mean a lot to me.

Peace.

[nicbrahms]

I have realised my perceived probs were compounded by the fact that I had a good vibration and then started taking anti-depressants to sleep at night following my phet week. Which I am completely off. Anyway word of warning to anyone who is going through anything that is testing, stay off anti-depressants or any other drugs for that matter they only serve to prolong the ordeal.

I have stopped everything and am now on cheese and ham sarnies, and I am starting to feel less foggy and better about it all.

My God its true what they say, if it don't kill you it certainly makes you stronger, i am facing things that were my greatest fear and I no longer care about them.

Gee whiz, thanks God for the torture and the realisation. I am on top of the world.

peace.

[seeds]

___________

I love my two sisters, Maguru and nicbrahms; you have both been an ongoing source of inspiration.

We may not agree on everything in our personal philosophies, but always know that you can lean on us in your times of diminished spirit, as I know you would let us lean on you.


seeds

_________