If you have heard of the term ‘The Dark Night of The Soul‘, it basically means the death of the ego. This was a poem written by priest and mystic, St. John of the Cross, in 16th century Spain. This poem was about the separation from God and giving in to the ego only, and the consequences as a result. This is when a situation happens whether it is a traumatic event or something to cause extreme disappointment or devastation – or even something positive but it can be difficult to handle regardless causes you to question your purpose. For example, in the case of parents finding out that their child has autism, that can bring this on. This can go on for months or years.

During the Dark Night of The Soul, you will experience pain, isolation, and depression, grief, all due to a spiritual crisis. You will know if this is what you are going through if you have been changed by something external which has been making you question your purpose. When you know you are experiencing a spiritual crisis, there are 5 things to do in order to help you get through it.

1. Acknowledge What Is Going On

The worst thing you can do is to not be in touch with what is going on, as many will want to stuff it in and ignore the pain. They will be inclined to drink, eat junk food, or overspend. In order for it to work through you, it has to be acknowledged and felt no matter how unpleasant it is.

2. Don’t Force Anything

If you are feeling disconnected from God or any Higher Power, then you are best to not force yourself to believe it in at the time. This will only cause you to resist even more. Remember it is okay to have spiritual separation because that is what you need to do in order to search for your purpose once again.

3. Practice Gratitude

Even if you are feeling disconnected, remember the blessings you do have so you will be reminded that you do have a purpose and that you are blessed – even if things don’t make sense right now. Even if all you can be grateful for in one day is that you have a comfy bed to sleep in, that will suffice. Expressing gratitude will help you stay grounded as well.

4. Talk To Others

You are not alone even if you feel you are, and you will want to connect with those who are in a similar situation as you are. Keeping the pain bottled up will only prolong the situation and the thing is you will want to work through it instead.

5. Talk To A Coach or Therapist

Anyone who is having a spiritual crisis will need to talk to a coach or therapist who they can trust and to help give them guidance on how to cope on a day to day basis.

Going through The Dark Night of The Soul is a lonely and isolating time, and this is the time to take the best care of yourself so you can get through it.