It is interesting how in darkness we are able to see the most. And a truth that seems contradictory is a signal to take a closer look.
Who contemplates their life during times of exuberance and great joy? What do we learn here? We learn we like it. We overindulge in it and strive to keep things exactly as they are. But of course, we can’t. Soon some misfortune will visit and she will leave us in that familiar place—a place that is not so joyous, a place that is at best slightly uncomfortable and, at worst, filled with overwhelming despair.
Even though we have been here over and over again, when we are in this place it feels that all is lost. We can know deep in ourselves that soon the sun will rise and joy will return, but that knowledge is hard to remember in times of darkness. Ideas like this are pushed back and rendered irretrievable by gloom. We may strive to find a way to make it go away. I have spent many a night muzzling misfortune with a bottle of wine or some mindless bit of television. But she is still present, perhaps exacerbated by my ignoring her. What really is to be done with this unwanted feeling?
We can look at it. Evaluate it. Sort things out, collate. Why are we feeling this way? Is something out of balance? Does something need to be added to life—or eliminated? Does a relationship need work? Does diet need changing? Working too hard or not hard enough? Are we taking care of our needs? Are we ignoring a calling?
This situation is an opportunity for growth, and masking these feelings only cripples us. Our ability to grow emotionally, spiritually, and intellectually is dependent on how we use the message that misfortune brings us. If we ignore her, we stay just where we are. But if we listen, adjust, and thank her, we grow.
In hindsight, we know these depressive periods are important! Many pivotal moments in my life can be directly associated with coming out of a dark spell. And I can know my life is now better because of them. I try to remember this when things seem bad. I try to remember that all parts of life are good. Not to ask misfortune to visit, but to keep learning so that next time, she will not need to speak so loud or stay so long.