| Experiencing the Dark Night
Within by Neroli Duffy As a medical doctor and a minister, I have been present when others have gone through the spiritual experience known as "the dark night of the soul." But it wasn't until I was diagnosed with breast cancer that I really understand it firsthand. My physical experience of the dark night is certainly not unique -- it is no doubt much more com-mon than we realize. People throughout the ages, including many saints and mystics, have experienced a dark night of the soul by bearing illnesses in their bodies. Some thus expurgated their personal karma: They took that spiritual burden into the physical plane and transmuted it through their suffering. Others have taken illness into their bodies as a means of balancing planetary karma -- the sins of the world, if you will. Often those undergoing serious illness simultaneously feel a piercing of the heart, a spiritual initiation that is a key component in the experience known as the "dark night." The 16th century mystic Saint John of the Cross wrote in depth about this spiritual initiation of the heart. He described how he traversed his own dark night of the soul while journeying back to God in "The Ascent of Mount Carmel" and "The Dark Night." From the point of view of some belief systems, the dark night of the soul settles in when the soul is beset by the return of its own personal karma. It is a period of darkness, when everything looks black and bleak. There may be a sense of lingering depres-sion or despair. Hopelessness and grief often burden the soul. This dark night may be triggered by any number of experiences that life brings to us -- the death of a loved one, an accident or a serious illness, a painful or failed relationship, emo-tional or mental trauma, sudden income loss. For a time, the human creation that we've constructed almost completely eclipses the light of the Higher Self. It is as if a dark cloud descends, and all appears to be gloomy and devoid of light. In short, one loses sight of the omnipresent beauty of the world. Most of us have experienced some element of this dark night of the soul at some time in our lives -- there are few indeed that have not been touched by it. Even living in a family where we are not understood, appreciated or loved can be experienced as an isolating dark night. I think the majority of cancer patients have these pessimistic feelings at some time during their illness. In the experience of the dark night, the soul may also feel a jagged sense of separation from God. The heavens seem closed, and prayers don't seem to be heard. For those who have a strong belief system, this can be a real test of their faith. But many cancer survivors say that they wouldn't trade the experience for anything in the world because they emerge so much stronger spiritually. One may touch the dark night several times in a lifetime... it can last from hours to days to months. Some may undergo this test for years in the form of lingering and terminal illnesses. Even forms of cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy, can feel like a crucifixion of the soul. I cer-tainly felt a sense of separation from God at times during chemotherapy. I believe that many who suffer in this way would be greatly comforted if they understood the dark night of the soul as a spiritual initiation not without meaning and not random in its occurrence. Rather, it can be embraced as a direct passageway to a greater bonding with God. When we are in our dark night, time seems to stand still. We perceive no light at the end of the tunnel and we often weep in the stillness of our aloneness. Because we feel powerless to find our way out of this nocturnal maze, it is essential that we connect with a support community and benefit from the prayers and ministrations of loved ones. With such solace, it is easier to patiently realize "this too shall pass." Most cancer patients that I have known do everything they can to carry the load by themselves, and it is more often than not difficult to get them to allow others to help. What other tools can help us during this difficult journey? First, we can grasp the understanding that suffering may be a means of purifying and raising the soul. Saint Paul spoke of it as a means of earning a "better resurrection" (Hebrews 11:35). I believe that as we cleanse our bodies of disease, we may also clear an unhealthy portion of our spiritual being, thus opening a door to healing on all levels. Second, we should enlist all modern methods of alleviating suffering, such as pain medication and appropriate allopathic and complementary medi-cines. These are gifts from God for us and we are intended to use them. There is no benefit in suffering needlessly when an alternative is available. Better to control the pain and accomplish as much as possible with our valuable time here on earth. Third, we can employ soothing rituals to ease the emotional and physical pain. Oil of spikenard, for example, was used by Mary Magdalene to anoint Jesus in prepa-ration for his crucifixion. This holy oil can help us through the initiations of our own symbolic crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. But probably the greatest comfort and the greatest need is the power of the spoken word through prayer. "Pray for one another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:16). Prayers for patients have been proven scientifically to make a tremendous difference in the rapidity of their healing. I look forward to the day when every hospital and healing center is filled with prayer as a standard practice. Imagine hospitals with teams of people assigned to pray for the healing of bodies, minds, and spirits as well as the divine direction of doctors and staff. One healing prayer that I've found to be highly effective in my own recovery is the Violet Flame. The spiritual energy of this flame helps to lift physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual burdens. The Violet Flame has its own healing intelligence and knows where to go and what to do. Anyone can use it! A simple, oft-repeated mantra -- I AM a Being of Violet Fire; I AM the Purity God Desires -- is all it takes to release the energy of the Violet Flame through the power of your Higher Self. By utilizing these tools, you can mitigate the experience of the dark night and once again be suffused with the iridescent light of your soul. Dr. Neroli Duffy is a minister and medical doctor whose latest book is entitled "A Journey Through Cancer," available at amazon.com and barnesandnobles.com. For more information about spirituality and healing, call The Summit Lighthouse at (952) 926-4385 or visit www.summitlh.com/minneapolis. Copyright © 2004 Dr. Neroli Duffy |
||
|
Oct 2004 |
|
