If you’re on a spiritual journey, you will inevitably experience a Dark Night of the Soul—maybe even multiple times. It’s a process of spiritual purification, one that can be deeply uncomfortable, emotionally overwhelming, and mentally disorienting.
But as Inayat Khan so beautifully put it:
“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.”
In this episode of Mindful Mastery, I explore what the Dark Night of the Soul is, why it happens during a spiritual awakening, how it feels, and—most importantly—how to get through it.
If you’re in the midst of it now, know that you are not alone. This journey, though painful, is one of profound transformation.
What is the Dark Night of the Soul?
At its core, the Dark Night of the Soul is an existential crisis that often happens during a spiritual awakening. It’s a period of deep inner turmoil, ego death, and emotional upheaval, where everything you thought you knew about yourself, your beliefs, and your purpose falls apart.
Many describe it as a feeling of:
- Loss of identity—Who am I if I’m not my past self?
- Emotional intensity—Grief, sadness, or even numbness take over.
- Feeling isolated—You may withdraw from the world as your inner transformation unfolds.
- Questioning everything—Your spiritual beliefs, life’s meaning, and your purpose might all come into question.
It’s painful. It’s confusing. But it’s also an invitation to let go of illusions and step into a more authentic version of yourself.
Why Does the Dark Night of the Soul Happen?
The Dark Night of the Soul isn’t a punishment—it’s a purification process. It happens when your old self no longer aligns with the truth of who you are becoming.
In this episode, I talk about how this process breaks down the ego and how it forces us to redefine our existence. Some key themes include:
🔹 Ego Death after Awakening—The identity we’ve attached ourselves to crumbles, making space for something deeper.
🔹 Existential Crisis—The beliefs that once gave us stability no longer feel true.
🔹 Isolation & Withdrawal—A deep need for solitude often arises as we shed old energies and integrate new awareness.
How to Get Through the Dark Night of the Soul
While this journey is deeply personal, there are ways to navigate it with more ease and self-compassion.
1. Finding Meaning in the Darkness
Instead of resisting the discomfort, ask yourself what this experience is teaching you. Often, the most profound transformations come from our darkest moments.
2. Finding Support
While isolation is common during a Dark Night of the Soul, you don’t have to go through it alone. Seek out:
✔ Spiritual guides or mentors who have walked this path before.
✔ Communities that support deep healing and transformation.
✔ Journaling or therapy to help process emotions and insights.
3. Moving the Energy Through Your Body
Emotions get trapped in the body during deep transformation. To move through them:
✔ Practice mindful movement like yoga or walking in nature.
✔ Use breathwork to regulate your nervous system.
✔ Allow yourself to cry, scream, or release emotions in a healthy way.
4. Reframing to Find Peace
Instead of seeing the Dark Night of the Soul as an endless void, reframe it as an initiation into deeper wisdom. This period is not the end—it’s a sacred rebirth.
How Long Does the Dark Night of the Soul Last?
This is one of the most common questions I get, and the answer varies. Some move through it in weeks or months; for others, it’s a years-long transformation. But one thing is certain: it doesn’t last forever.
The key is to surrender to the process, knowing that on the other side, there is light, clarity, and a deeper connection to your truth.
Final Thoughts: The Path to Spiritual Rebirth
The Dark Night of the Soul is one of the most intense, yet most transformative experiences on the spiritual path. While it may feel like everything is falling apart, what’s actually happening is a shedding of the old so the new can emerge.
If you’re in this space right now, know that you’re not alone. You are being reshaped, realigned, and prepared for something greater.
🎧 Listen to this episode now to learn how to navigate this profound transformation with more grace and trust.
