.png)
Healing Through The Dark Night of the Soul: A Poetic Reflection
- Anita R. Elliott
- May 10, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Jul 20
First shared on October 5, 2024. Like the moon’s return, I circle back not to rewrite it, but to breathe a little more truth into its bones.
There comes a darkness so vast inside us that it feels endless—leaden, hollow, profound. A dark night of the soul isn’t sadness; it’s an unraveling. A reorientation. Like an eclipse behind the heart where everything familiar fades, leaving only echoes of who we thought we were.
Where the Night Begins
St. John of the Cross called it a sacred purgation—a death of everything we cling to. In that nothingness, we lose direction, certainty, even ourselves. We feel abandoned, stripped bare. We crave rescue but meet only stillness. And stillness—oh, how terrifying and vital it is.
This darkness tests us. It breaks our old stories. But beneath its weight, a seed of something raw and luminous begins to stir.
Glimmers in the Void
Feel it all: The heartache, the trembling. Let scorched feelings rise. In surrender lies refuge, in vulnerability resides courage.
Honor your art: Write, dance, draw. Let your soul speak through movement, color, verse. Creativity is prayer in disguise.
Ground in the body: Slow walks, guided breath, yoga, or movement that whispers “I’m here. I’m safe.”
Gather around the fire: Share with tender souls. Breath by breath, story by story, we reheal what fear fractured.
Feed yourself gently: Nourish with warmth, quiet spaces, sleep, nourishing food. Our bodies anchor our souls.
Rest in gratitude: In the smallest kindness—morning light, a stranger’s smile—is a lifeline. It doesn’t have to be grand. It just has to be real.
A Liturgy of Transformation
I once thought healing meant leaping, pushing, moving forward. But perhaps it's more like breathing: patient, quiet, cyclical. Sometimes what heals is the silence, the pause, the unworded that lives between our words.
We don’t climb out of this night—we soften into it. We learn to trust emptiness. We let mystery sear away what we’ve outgrown. And when we emerge at dawn—the sunrise is more tender, more alive.
Rituals That Anchor the Soul
Gentle prompts you can fold into your days:
Whisper your days out—journal a sentence or a tear.
Move with intention—sway, stretch, open heart-wide.
Trace the stillness of each breath—be with only this.
Reach out—a message, a voice note, an embrace.
Rest well—with candles, soft blankets, quiet hum.
In Tender Conclusion
If you find yourself here—where dawn seems distant—know this: your soul is speaking. When you lean in, you’ll find that within the darkness, a new story is being written. You may not yet see the ink—but know it’s forming.
And know this too: you are not alone. Here, in this shadow, we hold hands across the night.
“The wound is the place where the light enters you.” — Rumi
May your wounds become windows. May your night welcome the dawn.
Sincerely,
Healing through the shadows 🌙
Resources: Online sanctuaries such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and 7 Cups offer forums, support groups, and listening ears for those treading through life's trials. In addition to local support, online therapy platforms like BetterHelp provide access to licensed mental health professionals through convenient messaging, live chat, phone calls, or video sessions, allowing you to receive guidance and support from the comfort of your own home. I regret being tangled up in my own judgments and all of the stigma around mental health in past and wish I would have reached out sooner for support when I needed it.
💫Today's post has been inspired by:
My perosnal journey with anxiety and depression
... I write to remember. I move to feel. I post to find my way back to myself. ...
📚📖📖📚Books you may find helpful :
🧘♀️ Meditation: Embracing the Light Within
Find a quiet, comfortable space where you can sit or lie down without distractions. Close your eyes and take a deep breath in through your nose, allowing the air to slowly fill your lungs. Pause for a moment, then exhale gently through your mouth.
As you settle into this rhythm, imagine a warm, glowing light emerging from within your heart. With each breath, this light grows brighter, its warmth spreading throughout your body. Envision it permeating every muscle, every fiber of your being.
As you continue to breathe, focus on the soothing warmth and gentle radiance. Allow this light to embrace and soften any pain, tension, or sadness that you may be holding onto. Let it serve as a reminder of your inner strength and resilience, a beacon guiding you through life's challenges.
Now, bring your attention to the present moment. Allow gratitude to swell within you for the strength and beauty that have emerged from the shadows. As you breathe in, silently acknowledge something you are grateful for in this moment. As you exhale, release any lingering darkness, making space for hope and healing.
With each breath, continue to embrace the light within, knowing that it will never dim or falter. You carry this light with you always, and it will illuminate even the darkest of nights. Take comfort in this knowledge, and trust that you have the strength and resilience to weather any storm.
When you are ready, gently bring your awareness back to your surroundings. Take a few deep breaths, and as you exhale, slowly open your eyes. Carry this feeling of warmth and light with you throughout the rest of your day, knowing that you are capable of navigating life's ebbs and flows with grace and courage.
💃 Mindful Movement Dance Practice: Embracing Flow and Release
Begin by finding a comfortable space where you can move freely. Close your eyes, and take a few deep breaths, centering your awareness on the present moment. As you breathe, allow your body to relax and release any tension.
Grounding: Start with a simple sway, shifting your weight from side to side. Feel your feet connect with the ground beneath you, establishing a sense of stability and connection.
Flow: Let your body begin to move in a fluid, circular motion, allowing your arms to follow the rhythm. Envision your movements as water, ebbing and flowing effortlessly.
Release: As you continue to move, imagine any stress, tension, or negative emotions leaving your body with each exhale. Release them into the earth, allowing it to absorb and transform them.
Expansion: Open your arms wide and reach for the sky, embracing the vastness of the universe. Visualize yourself as a beacon of light, radiant and strong.
Gratitude: Bring your hands together in front of your heart, pausing to express gratitude for your resilience and strength. Take a moment to reflect on the beauty that has emerged from life's trials.
Integration: End your dance practice with a few gentle stretches, allowing your body to integrate the experience. Take a few deep breaths, and when you're ready, open your eyes.
Throughout this mindful movement dance practice, maintain a gentle awareness of your breath and body sensations. Allow yourself to be fully present in the moment, embracing the transformative power of movement and breath. As you dance, let your body tell the story of your journey, honoring the highs and lows that have shaped you into the resilient being you are today.
Music to move to
Slow tempo:
Up Tempo:
Disclaimer: This blog post may contain affiliate links. This means that if you purchase a product using one of these links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions expressed in this post are my own and I only recommend products or services I truly believe in. Thank you for supporting this blog!
© Anita Elliott (aka Souldancer), 2024. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site's author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Anita Elliott with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Comments