In the journey of life, we will have our share of dark times. This is when it seems like everything is falling apart and we feel down and hopeless. Yes, we all, at some point in our lives, have to walk through the “valley of the shadow of death.” These shadows and uncertainties that cover our path can be overwhelming, and we wonder how are we able to walk through it. Why does life have to be so difficult and dark at times, consuming it seems our heart, mind, and soul?

 We all want to avoid the darkness, but according to Jason Journeyman Wise, “it is in trying to avoid it that makes it so bleak.” None of us like facing setbacks or adversities, so we fight it out, including the sadness and despair that goes with it. We even unknowingly invite more by avoiding or ignoring it, and then the darkness gets even worse.

But why do we have to walk this dark valley? Because it is in the darkness that we can truly understand life. In the dark, we are able to comprehend what our life is really all about. Hidden in the dark is the opportunity for growth and introspection. Here, we are compelled to review our life decisions and understand where we went wrong. It challenges us to look deeper into ourselves, heal our woundedness, and grow. It is often in the dark that we emerge stronger. We become wiser and better equipped to deal with life’s curveballs. Jason Journeyman Wise says that the darkness is the “single most essential catalyst toward a life of light.”

We should all then stop fighting the dark. Rather, we should embrace it, for it is in the dark that we gain a real appreciation for the light. As Fyodor Dostoevsky once said, “The darker the night, the brighter the stars.” 

There’s always going to be a moments of darkness in our lives. We’ve all have lost a friend. We’ve all had failed in a relationship. We’ve all lost financially. We’ve all have health issues. But the light will always come. Everything would eventually be all right. We will heal. We will learn from the experience. We will grow. And we will become better person for it. We will see the light.

Are you going through a dark time in your life right now? Vishnu of Possibility Change offers ways on how to navigate dark times in life.

1. Get to know yourself better and be open to internal work. It is during dark and difficult times that we get the chance to explore our inner lives and do the internal work necessary for our growth. More often than not, we tend to set this aside, being more preoccupied with external circumstances. Difficult times are times for self-understanding and self-awareness. Open yourself to it, and allow yourself to take the deeper look. You’ll be better for it.
2. Become aware of what doesn’t work. The dark place is the place where you realize the wrong choices and decisions you have made. You learn what doesn’t work in your life. You become more insightful, and your mind becomes better equipped to create a new path in life for you.
3. Take one step at a time. Dark times can be so overwhelming that it can make us feel paralyzed, unable to function. So it is important not to think about the whole picture and take things moment by moment. Ask yourself what is that one small step that you can take today, and start from there.
4. Never give up on yourself. When things are difficult, it is easy to just give up. Remind yourself that you have gone through dark times before and you have dealt with them as best as you can. You can do it again as you have already built up your adversity muscle to deal with changes and setbacks.
5. Appreciate the dark. It seems counterintuitive to be grateful of the dark. Why would you ever be thankful for this? But the dark will teach you things that you will never learn when things are light and easy. In the dark, you will learn persistence and patience, hope and optimism—all necessary tools to navigate life. 
6. Recognize the dawn is near. According to Thomas Fuller, “The night is darkest before the dawn.” So hang in there and be prepared for a positive change. Light always follow the dark. Stay patient and hopeful.

When darkness hits, know that you have received a gift. It will make you stronger, smarter, and better. As Jason Journeyman Wise says, “Darkness isn’t something we endure just so we can appreciate the light; it’s something we must accept if we’re ever going to truly live in the light.”

Sources:

Hansen, Crystal. “Navigating through Life’s Valleys: Embracing Darkness and Light.” Last modified May 24, 2023. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/navigating-through-lifes-valleys-embracing-darkness-light-hansen.

Healey, Jennifer. “23 Quotes about Darkness and Light to Help You Appreciate Both.” Last  modified July 1, 2016. https://healingbrave.com/blogs/all/quotes-about-darkness-and-light.

Vishnu. “Light after Dark: 6 Ways to Keep Going during Tough Times.” Accessed March 3, 2024. https://possibilitychange.com/tough-times/.

Wise, Jason Journeyman. “Accepting the Darkness of Life.” Last modified December 29, 2017. https://medium.com/the-mindful-journeyman/accepting-the-darkness-of-life-efc3ff995088.