The term “dark night of the soul” is a period of conscious suffering combined with an abject sense of emptiness. It is a dark, life-changing mood that touches the foundations of experience – the soul itself. In other words, this is the ancient term of what is now known as depression. In ancient times, those who suffered from the dark night of the soul faced the breakdown of their lives’ whole conceptual framework.
They felt as though they were in a new kind of reality because of the realization that they had lived on autopilot for as long as they could remember. After all, society’s rules meant everything to them, so they lived all their lives within its limits. They felt alone in a meaningless world, having no sense of direction or belonging. Sadness, frustration, and hopelessness took over their lives.
Some people ended up fully losing their subjective self-identity, which caused them major pain. They felt as though they were lost and no longer knew who they were. They constantly asked themselves how they could ever be happy without being someone or doing something important. They believed that they were not doing enough to achieve such standards, which meant that they would never attain happiness.
Ancient Versus Modern
It appears that those who suffered with the dark night of the soul in ancient times remain similar to those who suffer with depression in contemporary times. Today, those suffering with depression pressure themselves to quickly find meaning and purpose in their lives.
They also feel stuck and lost, as if they have not yet discovered and used their potential. At the same time, they feel as though they are not in control of themselves and their lives. They feel that they are supposed to be happy because their external reality seems fulfilling. Their emotions also fluctuate in a dramatic manner.
They begin to focus less on their desire of pleasing others and more on being authentic, but they still feel far from happiness, just like those from ancient times. Since antiquity, depression has affected many people’s lives until today, forcing them to seek counseling and medication to help them. It has also led many to believe that happiness is only attainable through social status, job title, or name. In reality, one must use contemplation, meditation, and relaxation to begin appreciating, living, and enjoying the now. After all, the now is where happiness is found.