10 Common Signs of the Dark Night of the Soul - and How to Heal

My Journey Through the Abyss

I woke up one day feeling like a stranger in my own life. The colors were dull, my passions seemed empty, and even joyful things felt pointless. At first, I thought it was depression or burnout. But I soon realized it was something deeper: the Dark Night of the Soul.

Photo by Stormseeker on UnsplashThis term, coined by St. John of the Cross, describes a deep spiritual crisis. It's feeling disconnected from meaning, purpose, and the Divine. If you're reading this, you might be going through it too. Here are the 10 signs I saw and how I found my way back to light.

1. A Sudden Loss of Meaning

One morning, I questioned everything. My career, relationships, and even my spirituality didn't make sense anymore. It wasn't that I was ungrateful; it was like a veil had lifted, showing the emptiness behind what I believed in.

Healing Tip: I let myself sit with the questions. Journaling helped me explore my doubts without needing answers right away.

2. Intense Loneliness, Even in a Crowd

I could be surrounded by friends and feel incredibly alone. It wasn't about people; it was a deep soul loneliness, like being cut off from something essential.

Healing Tip: I learned to embrace solitude instead of fearing it. Meditation and silent walks became my sanctuary, helping me reconnect with myself.

3. Emotional Numbness or Overwhelming Sadness

Some days, I felt nothing but a hollow void. Other days, grief hit me without warning. It wasn't about mourning something specific; it was a deep, wordless sorrow.

Healing Tip: I allowed myself to feel without judgment. Crying, art, and even screaming into a pillow became ways to express the emotions I couldn't name.

4. A Strong Desire to Withdraw from the World

Social events drained me. I craved solitude, not because I hated people, but because the world's noise was overwhelming.

Healing Tip: I set boundaries - saying no to draining interactions and prioritizing rest. This wasn't selfishness; it was survival.

5. Feeling Abandoned by the Divine (or the Universe)

I had always been spiritual, but during this time, prayer felt empty. I wondered if God - or whatever higher power I believed in - had left me.

Healing Tip: I explored different spiritual practices without pressure. Sometimes, just sitting in silence and observing nature helped me feel less alone.

6. A Loss of Interest in Old Passions

Hobbies I once loved now felt pointless. Music, writing, even favorite foods - nothing brought me joy.

Healing Tip: Instead of trying to "snap out of it," I found new, simple pleasures. Like walking barefoot on grass or listening to rain.

7. Vivid, Disturbing Dreams

My sleep was haunted by intense, unsettling dreams - symbols of my subconscious turmoil.

Healing Tip: I kept a dream journal, looking for recurring themes. Over time, I saw patterns that mirrored my inner struggles.

8. Physical Fatigue Without Cause

No matter how much I slept, I was exhausted. My body felt heavy, as if carrying an invisible weight.

Healing Tip: Gentle movement - yoga, stretching, even short walks - helped me reconnect with my body.

9. A Sense of Impending Transformation (With No Clarity)

I knew I was changing, but I had no idea what I was becoming. The uncertainty was overwhelming.

Healing Tip: I learned that change isn't always straightforward. Trusting the journey, even when I didn't understand it, became my guiding principle.

10. Moments of Sudden, Unexplained Peace

In the midst of turmoil, I found brief moments of deep calm. These were like rays of light in the dark.

Healing Tip: I held onto these peaceful moments. They showed me that healing was not just a dream.

How I Began to Heal

The Dark Night is not something you "fix." It's a journey you go through. Here's how I navigated it:

Surrendering control - I stopped resisting the emptiness and let it teach me.

Seeking support - Therapy and spiritual counseling guided me.

Embracing the void - Sometimes, the only way out is through.

Finding small joys - A simple cup of tea or a beautiful sunset became my anchors to the present.

Trusting rebirth - The Dark Night is not the end; it's the start of a new, truer self.

Final Thoughts

If you're going through this now, remember: you are not broken. The Dark Night is a tough but sacred journey. It strips away illusions, revealing your true self.

You will come out of this experience softer, wiser, and more genuine than before.

Thank you so much for reading. If this piece resonated with you, please consider liking and sharing it - it truly makes a difference. As I carve out my path as a freelance writer, your support means the world and helps me keep writing stories that connect with hearts like yours.