Though new age spiritualism may present the contrary, our healing journey is rarely a picturesque stroll through a field of love and light. Sometimes, it feels more like a descent into a disorienting void – a raw, unsettling space that makes you question everything. This darkness, often unacknowledged, is actually a common and crucial part of the process. As a neurodiverse therapist who is no stranger to depression and anxiety, I have accepted the duality of darkness that brings so much meaning to the wounds we are healing – the light we are so eager to find and shine on ourselves during that void of darkness. This is why I absolutely love the shadow side to healing. Carl Jung famously articulated, this darkness is often fueled by our suppressed ‘shadow selves’ demanding to be heard. Darkness may be an old friend for all of us, but let’s dive into why darkness is key to your healing. 

The Void

Healing often begins at a point of profound loss. Whether it’s the end of a relationship, a shattered dream, or the erosion of a once-familiar sense of self, loss carves out an internal space of grief, anger, and sometimes, a crushing emptiness. I often tell my clients that when they are ready to trade their pain for peace, that feeling of suffering can be transformed to new heights. As you heal, you’re inevitably forced to confront those tightly held emotions, buried memories, and unhealthy patterns you’ve been suppressing. This excavation of the less-than-shining parts of yourself can be deeply unsettling. The discomfort that’s coming up here is where you confront your shadow. The void of darkness also houses an interesting flood of existential thoughts and fears. The intensity of committing to your healing can trigger existential thoughts about purpose, suffering, and your place in our beautifully, indifferent universe. These questions linger even as you work through your immediate pain.

The Void’s Purpose

Though intensely uncomfortable, this dark phase isn’t an indication that where you currently are will always be how you feel. Healing the shadow serves an incredible function. The void illuminates areas of yourself and your life that no longer align with who you want to become. It’s the emotional dissonance that sparks the motivation for true transformation. Exploring this darkness forces a confrontation with the full spectrum of your emotional landscape. This raw honesty with yourself is essential for deep and lasting healing. Meeting yourself in your vulnerability fosters a profound understanding of your own experience, fostering the kind of unwavering self-compassion necessary for true healing.

Navigating the Darkness

Remember, the void of darkness isn’t a permanent state. Let’s explore ways for you to ground yourself and move through the layers of healing:

• Connection: You weren’t meant to navigate this alone. A therapist, support group, or empathetic friends can provide grounding and validation.
• Healing Through Expression: Discover healthy outlets to process the intensity – journaling, mindful movement, creative expression, or simply finding safe spaces to share your experience.
• Practice Gentle Awareness: Meet your darkness with curiosity rather than judgment. Allow yourself to feel the full weight of it without getting trapped in destructive thought cycles.
• Prioritize Self-Care: Nourish yourself with good food, restful sleep, and gentle movement, even when it feels impossible. These foundational acts can offer a sense of safety within the storm.

The void is a testament to the depth of your healing journey. By facing it with compassion and awareness, you’re laying the groundwork for a more authentic, resilient version of yourself.