Dark nights may generate powerful spiritual faith

Today writer Peter Neary-Chaplin shares, "I have just finished reading this most beautiful book by Thomas Moore, former monk and now a career psychotherapist in private practice, and am still digesting its deep and human wisdom. He writes lucidly and profoundly about how to find meaning from within the challenges that life presents to us," in his blog entry, "Thomas Moore on Dark Nights of the Soul". His quote from Moore's book includes:

"Nothing could be more precious, then, than a dark night of the soul, the very darkness of which allows your lunar light to shine. It may be painful, discouraging, and challenging, but it is nevertheless an important revelation of what your life is about. In that darkness you see things you couldn't see in the daylight. Skills and powers of soul emerge from your frustration and ignorance. The seeds of spiritual faith, perhaps your only recourse but certainly a valuable power, are found in your darkness. The other half of who you are comes into view, and through the dark night you are completed."

Neary-Chaplin summarizes, "We cannot avoid suffering but we can try to transform it into something healing and humane."