The Dark Night of the Soul

A friend inspired me to look into the sense of mystery that is very often a part of our faith journey. My friend inspired me to reflect on the importance of "The Dark Night of the Soul" and to delve a little more into that mystery.

Inspired, I searched for writings by Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross, contemplative monastics of Sixteenth Century Spain. Could not find their writings, but found a book my wife had given me when were in Texas, The Dark Night of the Soul, by Gerald G. May, M.D.

May is a Psychiatrist and a Theologian. May is now Senior Fellow in Contemplative Theology and Psychology at the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation in Bethesda, Maryland.His book is based on John and Teresa and gives a real good insight into their understanding (and some modern misunderstandings) of the Dark Night. He then explorers the connection between Darkness and spiritual growth. Spent some time this morning re-acquanting myself, with Teresa, John and Dr. May. I read the forward and the introduction and the first chapter and want to share some of his insights as well as some of the Poetry of John and Teresa.

Some of these thoughts and quotes will be quite random, but will give a sense of how others see this darkness. I will give page numbers for context.

“At some point I gave up trying to decide what’s ultimately good or bad. I truly do not know. Although not knowing may itself seem like a bad thing, I am convinced it is one of the great gifts of the dark night of the soul. To be immersed in mystery can be verty distressing at first, but over time I have found immense relief in it….There have been many spiritual lessons to be sure, but they’ve been given to me in the course of life; I haven’t had to figure out a single one.”(TDNOTS, p. 2,3)

“One of the biggest lessons is the realization that I’m not as much in control of life as I’d like to be.”(p.3)

“Like not knowing and lack of control, freedom and gratitude are abiding characteristics of the dark night.”(p.3)

According to May, the dark night is much more significant than simple misfortune. “it is a deep transformation, a movement toward indescribable freedom and joy. And in truth, it doesn’t always have to be unpleasant!”(p.4)…..”The dark night is a profoundly good thing. It is an ongoing spiritual process in which we are liberated from attachments and compulsions and empowered to live and love more freely. Sometimes this letting go of old ways is painful, occasionally even devastating. But this is not why the night is called “dark.” The darkness of the night implies nothing sinister, only that the liberation takes place in hidden ways, beneath our knowledge and understanding. It happens mysteriously, in secret, and beyond our conscious control. For that reason it can be disturbing or even scary, but in the end it always works to our benefit.”(p.4,5)

More than anything, I think the dark night of the soul gives meaning to life.”(p.5)

I will end this reflection with a poem by John of the Cross (p.7)

Noche Oscura (The Dark Night)

!OH noche que guiaste! Oh you guiding night!
!Oh noche amable mas Oh night more kindly
que el alborada! than the dawn!
!Oh noche que juntaste Oh you night that united
Amado con amada, Lover with beloved,
amada en el Amado the beloved in the Lover
Transformada! Transformed!

Hope you enjoy this. I will have more reflections on this soon.

Peace,
Ben