WELCOME back to our exploration into all things emotional. In this edition our Emotional Health columnist Leigh Smith uses darkness to light the way to better emotional health.
“In a dark time, the eye begins to see,
I meet my shadow in
the deepening shade.”
In a Dark Time, by Theodore Roethke
WITH the festive season behind us, the long dark nights can seem endless, and stretch out in front of us for many more weeks to come with hardly a glimmer of light or the promise of the Spring. We can lose faith in the possibility of change, of new growth and the return of the sun’s warmth. You might find these dark nights sap your energy and leave you feeling emotionally drained and dull. For many of us darkness can be something to fear, perhaps our deepest fears reside here, and the shadows hide unexplored aspects of ourselves which we feel would be better left alone. However, the dark time of the year holds benefits for our emotional health, there is a potent tranquility in these dark months that encourages introspection and self reflection, and within it we can find the essence of who we truly are. This is a good time of year to be with yourself, to turn inwards and explore your inner aspects which can be overshadowed at other times of the year. Taking time to really be with yourself in a reflective way without judgement, will give you insights into what direction you want to move in, and allow you the space to explore what is getting in the way. In our busy lives we rarely allow ourselves time to ponder, to daydream, to reflect on times past and remember our motivations, desires and passions. It is perfectly natural to push away the darker more challenging moods and thoughts, in favour of more positive and up beat ones. In fact we are taught not to be ‘gloomy’ or ‘wallow in self pity’, but ironically it is avoiding and suppressing these aspects of ourselves which can lead to feelings of depression. Facing our inner darkness can be a very real challenge, it can be a painful experience and bring waves of sadness and grief, but in some cases it is necessary in order for change to occur. Change can be hard, but these long dark nights can provide the opportunity to face even the darkest of our problems. The darkness forces us to look more closely, focusing and searching out the signs of growth, here amongst the darkness lies the promise of emerging life, renewed and full of hope. In order to maintain good emotional health and to function well physically we need rest and stillness. Now is the time to plant seeds, make plans, and design the next phase of who we choose to be. The dark nights provide a place to rest, to be quiet and still, revealing fertile ground, slow down, and pause, and let out the long held breath. Under the cloak of darkness is your emerging self, the whisper of passions denied, the promise of creative endeavours not yet sought. Here lie the projects shelved in favour of more practical pursuits. As the seasons change let yourself reshuffle the deck of priority cards you hold in your hands, pick your card, and follow the direction you choose. As the light returns, and energy emerges throwing light on the shaded aspects of your needs, nourishing these fledgling hopes, foster the changes which will hold you in good emotional heath for the year ahead. The darkness is a valuable teacher, healer and resource. It holds a place of stillness and acceptance, and in its embrace we can be nurtured and comforted, here we can rest a while. Let the darkness be your guide.