The dark night of the soul. . . .

We have all had moments in which sadness, depression and despair have surrounded us.  Whether it is the loss of a relationship, a job, a loved one or the shedding of what no longer serves us; we all face the dark night of the soul.  Seeming to have arisen out of nowhere, the dark night of the soul strips our ability to smile, to find joy, to have gratitude, to feel love.  In this cramped and stagnant space, we must let go.  At the same time, we are stuck.  Our feet cannot seem to take us forward and yet we are well aware that we cannot move backwards.  It is in this space that we meet those parts and pieces that need to heal.  Our inner child presents itself to us and asks us to heal another part of the shadow.  "Another part?  Another piece?  When does it end?"  We ask ourselves.  We struggle, we cry, we get angry, we withdraw, we blame, we excuse, we shutdown.  Not wanting to dig deeper and allow for the healing to come over us, we resist, we fight, we wage war.  At some point, we quit, we give-up, we release in exhaustion and loss.  When we finally surrender ourselves; love, light and healing rush in like waves lapping onto the shore to soothe our confused soul.  This infusion provides the comfort and strength we need to take that first step.  That step is followed by another and then another.  Awkward, unsure and uncertain of the new person we have become; we cautiously move forward.  In time, we find comfort with the newness of who we are.  We have birthed a new self who continues the steps on the journey.  Forever changed by the darkness that surrounded us, we will walk on this path until the time comes in which we must embrace the dark night of the soul once again.