For the first time in human history, the entire human race is going through its dark night of the soul. This time of self-isolation is perfect for us to turn our gaze back to ourselves, back to our lives, and back to what it really matters to us.
We don’t need to take care of the planet right now, the planet is taking care of itself. What we need to do is to take care of ourselves and those in our house.
A “dark night of the soul”
Each person goes through their own dark night of the soul at some point in their lives.
St. John of the Cross coined the term “dark night of the soul”. Going through a dark night of the soul means that a person is in a time in their life when they’re experiencing many trials and tribulations with no end in sight—it is perceived to be very dark and emotional times.
Well, right now, with the coronavirus pandemic, we, as humanity, are going through a dark night of the soul—the entire globe. Because the virus COVID-19 is very contagious and deadly, we have all been asked by our governments to stay home to reduce the chances of getting or spreading the virus.
This means we are going to be at home without much to do but to look more intently at ourselves and those in our house. Let’s begin by looking at ourselves before we begin looking at others.
St. John of the Cross coined the term “dark night of the soul”. Going through a dark night of the soul means that a person is in a time in their life when they’re experiencing many trials and tribulations with no end in sight—it is perceived to be very dark and emotional times.
Well, right now, with the coronavirus pandemic, we, as humanity, are going through a dark night of the soul—the entire globe. Because the virus COVID-19 is very contagious and deadly, we have all been asked by our governments to stay home to reduce the chances of getting or spreading the virus.
This means we are going to be at home without much to do but to look more intently at ourselves and those in our house. Let’s begin by looking at ourselves before we begin looking at others.
Self-introspection
Knowing that our lives are in jeopardy feels very stressful to the body, combined with emotional contagion (seeing and feeling other people’s fear and panic), does not help to overcome the dark night of the soul.
It is only when you can control the threats your body perceives, the fears and panic you are feeling, and the scary thoughts that come to your mind, that you can begin to understand the teachings of this night of the soul—so you can overcome it.
In the known story of the human race, it never before happened that all humanity had to almost completely stop what it was doing, until now. Let's take this "enforced stillness" as Eckhart Tolle calls it, to really pause and go within. So, during these days of self-isolation and quietness begin to look at yourself more. You can do so by doing any or all of the following:
It is only when you can control the threats your body perceives, the fears and panic you are feeling, and the scary thoughts that come to your mind, that you can begin to understand the teachings of this night of the soul—so you can overcome it.
In the known story of the human race, it never before happened that all humanity had to almost completely stop what it was doing, until now. Let's take this "enforced stillness" as Eckhart Tolle calls it, to really pause and go within. So, during these days of self-isolation and quietness begin to look at yourself more. You can do so by doing any or all of the following:
- List your blessings. Begin by making a list of your blessings as you see what’s going on in the world. For instance: you have a house where to live, you a bed to sleep, you have your health, you have your loved ones, you have your memory, and you are alive! Get a piece of paper and write for about 5 minutes as many things as they come to your mind—things you are blessed with.
- What’s important to you? Most of us have put off, for a very long time, what makes our heart sing . Well, now is the time to begin paying attention and listen to what your heart says to you. Sit comfortably and quietly, place both of your hands over your heart, and fill in the blank as you ponder on this sentence: “When this pandemic ends, I will do what I’ve always wanted to do which is ____________________. No one is ever stopping me but myself.” Don’t think too much about it. Just write down what your heart says.
- Get to know yourself. I find it very interesting that we get to live our entire lives with ourselves and most of the time we don’t even get to know who we really are. Take this opportunity to get to know you. What are your likes, dislikes, what you love, what you don’t love, what pisses you off, what you enjoy? What are your tendencies, your dreams, desires, passion, calling, etc? There are many ways to get to know yourself. Since you have time right now, start by answering the questions above and then you can try any or all of these methods: personality tests, astrology, numerology, and intuitive coaching. Make sure you do your research before you hire someone. My favorite experts are Susan Reynolds, Sue Frederick, Simone Wright, Elizabeth Harper and Kari Samuels.
- What do you really want? Now that you know yourself more and know what’s important to you, bring in other areas of your life and determine what exactly is that you want. Here are some activities you can start with to help you gain clarity.
- Have deep conversations. Right now is also a great time to start having deep conversations with people. You can start with questions like: What are your life goals? What do you wish you could be/do/have after this pandemic is over? What makes your heart sing? What are you grateful for? What are you learning about yourself? What's your calling? What do you really want? Be sensitive to others because not everyone is ready to have these conversations, they might still feel fear and panic. Even so, I still think way more people are ready for these conversations right now than 20 years ago. Find them within your family and friends and give them a call today.
- Spring clean your life. Use this quarantine opportunity to “Spring clean” your life. Sometimes after a while we do not know why we do things the way we do, we don’t know why we have so many things we no longer need, and we don’t know why we keep thinking in the same dis-empowering way--Are you focusing on what’s wrong? are you thinking too much? Are you assuming too much? Are you judging too much in your thoughts? Are you being too negative? Do you feel insecure? Do you have too many fears, anxieties, regrets? I’m not telling you what you should do/have or not. I just want you to start looking differently at the things you have and do. So, pay attention and see if you can remove things, thoughts, and activities that are not necessary in your life. I can help if you feel that you need help with your emotional well-being.
- Extra free-time for... What is that thing you said, a few weeks/months ago, that you wish you had more time for? Your kids, your spouse, your parents, creative activities, home projects, hobby, learning? You have some free time now, go for it. You don't need to be "productive" right now. Mostly focus on yourself. Just like the entire planet is taking a break from us, lets also take a break from the material life.
- Soul connection. The best help you can get while you go through humanity’s dark night of the soul is the one that comes directly from your Soul. To connect with your Soul all you have to do is to sit quietly, still your body, mind, and emotions (your humanness), and wait for the guidance. It will come to you as an image, thought, story, or feeling. Whatever the method your Soul chooses to communicate with you, remember it has to feel good and peaceful to you. If it’s not, calm your humanness even more and try again.
During these weeks of enforced stillness, is the perfect time to get to know yourself. If you’re a person who never finds the time to go within, right now of the perfect time to do it—you'll forever be grateful for these days of self-isolation.
There can be no rebirth without a dark night of the soul, a total annihilation of all that you believed in and thought that you were.” —Hazrat Inayat Khan
Once the dark night of the soul of an individual is over, that individual learns from the experiences he went through and he grows, evolves, and comes out stronger. We will be doing the same as humanity.
When this pandemic is over, we as a human race will have learned from the experience we’re going through, and we’ll have grown, evolved, and come out united and stronger than ever. Together we will rise to a new level of understanding, wisdom, and consciousness. New and exciting times are coming for humanity, you’ll see.
When this pandemic is over, we as a human race will have learned from the experience we’re going through, and we’ll have grown, evolved, and come out united and stronger than ever. Together we will rise to a new level of understanding, wisdom, and consciousness. New and exciting times are coming for humanity, you’ll see.
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Find Calm When Pandemic Strikes
Who Do You Think You Are?
Do You Know What You Want?
Doesn’t Matter What Others Want, What Matters Is What You Want
