The Dark Night of the Soul

Find the light again.

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At some point in life, most experience an emptiness that challenges their sense of purpose.

The Dark Night of the Soul feels like losing all direction.

This isn’t about destruction. It’s breaking illusions, uncovering truth, and growing.

The term comes from the writings of Saint John of the Cross, a Spanish mystic. He described a painful but necessary spiritual process where old attachments and false beliefs dissolve.

Many traditions recognize this idea. Buddhists call it “ego death.” Psychologists examine concepts like shadow work.

This is different from everyday struggles. It’s not just feeling unmotivated. It’s a confrontation with everything a person has built their identity on. Beliefs, relationships, and personal goals suddenly feel meaningless. There’s an aching sense that something is missing.

The Dark Night of the Soul is triggered by major life shifts, intense loss, or deep questioning of old beliefs.

Loss of purpose. Disconnection from personal convictions.

Significant change. End of relationships, career shifts, or major life events.

Internal conflict. Fears, regrets, or aspects of oneself that were previously ignored.