The Dark Night of the Soul: A Psychiatrist Explores the Connection Between Darkness and Spiritual Growth

Gerald G. May, M.D., one of the great spiritual teachers and writers of our time, argues that much to our detriment, the dark "shadow" side of true spiritual life has been trivialized and neglected. Superficial and naively upbeat spirituality does not heal and enrich the soul; nor does the tendency to relegate deep spiritual growth to mystics and saints. Only the honest, sometimes difficult encounters with what St. John of the Cross describes as "the dark night of the soul" can lead to true spiritual wholeness.

Drawing on the resources of great Christian writings as well as other spiritual traditions, psychiatric theory, and literature, May emphasizes that the "dark night" is not necessarily a time of suffering and despair, but rather an opportunity for transition and transformation. The Dark Night of the Soul embraces the universal spiritual experience of doubt, fear, emptiness, and despair, all of which are ingredients in developing a mature, authentic spiritual life. The dark gives depth, dimension, and fullness to enlightenment.

Gerald May, M.D., (1940-2005) was a psychiatrist and spiritual counselor and Senior Fellow in Contemplative Theology and Psychology at the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation in Bethesda, MD. He wrote many books and articles blending spirituality and psychology, including Addiction and Grace and The Awakened Heart.

"[May] becomes a messenger of hope, reminding readers that every dark night brings the sweet dawn of awakening."

-Publishers Weekly

--Conversations Journal