DARK NIGHT OF THE SOUL

There is a state of being that is described as the dark night of the soul. It is a place of transformation, a place of moving from one level of consciousness into a higher level of consciousness. To move through the dark night, the soul is guided to let go of what was and to move forward in absolute faith and trust that it will be amply supported during this transitional time.

St. John of the Cross, a 16^th-century mystic and monk, described it as a time of despair, confusion, and existential crisis.* It is uncomfortable, even agonizing. The sense of self is thoroughly challenged while long held beliefs, one’s sense of identity and purpose are upended during this period of deep introspection. The sense of disconnection from God, from loved ones, can be immensely intense.

Think of the vulnerability of the soft-shell crab who has left its housing because the shell has become too constricting. In crab time, the crab must travel without a cover aka shell while it searches for its next home. It moves from what is known into the unknown because this is what it must do to survive and thrive. The thrust to move forward is stored in the crab’s genetic memory. When it’s time, it’s time.

And here we are: humanity is being called to drop the old housing, let go of the old ways and patterns, and to collectively move forward into a new state of being. Holding on for dear life will not stop the process. Resistance, though a natural reaction, is contrary to our evolution as a species. This experience is individual, familial, national and planetary. We see the evidence all around us in a world that seems to be going mad. So much fighting. So much anger. So much fear. So much panic.

Love of self and of every living thing is the antidote. We are inherently loving beings even though we have, as a species, clearly veered far from this truth.

May each of you remember the love that you are, the love from which you have been created. Stabilize in this core knowing again and again. Find ways to share your love. This is what Yeshua taught, that we are to love one another and to help one another. It is through love, faith, trust, and surrender that we will find our way into our next true home.

With love,

Barb Woolley

*Dark Night of the Soul, St. John of the Cross, by Mirabai Starr, is a splendid interpretation of St. John of the Cross' experiences while negotiating the dark night of the soul.

© Friday, August 21, 2026. Barbara J. Woolley, moderator. Please share this post in its entirety. It might uplift someone in your life who is in the throes of the dark night of the soul. If you wish to reach out, my correct email address is: 8301barb@gmail.com. Wishing you Godspeed!