The Dark Whatever-It-Is
of the Human Soul
Unfortunately or fortunately, the dark night of the soul is rarely just a night.
Yours may very well be the dark DECADE of the soul, or perhaps more likely, the dark LIFETIME of the soul.
The Dark Whatever-It-Is points to the seeming time between the suspicion of a god, the suspicion of BEING that god, and, finally, the incontrovertible KNOWING, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that you are — and have ALWAYS been — the GOD you have been seeking.
If you see yourself as a spiritual person, and you observe this self of yours as making slow progress or NO progress, your self is clearly within the Dark Whatever-It-Is of the Soul.
Perhaps you have been given the idea that the Dark Whatever-It-Is is a DRAMATIC experience — INSTANT catharsis. Or that suddenly your kundalini will rise and you will become enlightened.
Possibly, but not likely.
It seems that the point of the Dark Whatever-It-Is is to appreciate what lies on both sides of it, thus realizing that the darkness is a gift, not something to transcend or overcome.
Your middling attempts at greatness are, in a way, holy — holy in the respect that inevitably you will see them that way, perhaps not today, perhaps not in this moment, but ETERNALLY.
The depths of despair you feel point to the miracle that you can feel at all. Remember, you are all and nothing, not just this one lonesome self.
Rest assured that the Dark Whatever-It-Is happens, and from the perspective of your eternity, it’s barely a blink.
Or question everything you feel — and immerse yourself deeply in this one seeming life.
There is no right or wrong way, unless you believe there is. And even then, there isn’t.
Enjoy. Or suffer. Or both and more.
It’s okay. You are infinite and inviolate
and there is ALWAYS something beyond.
Trail Wood,
1/11
Space Monkey Reflects: Embracing the Dark Whatever-It-Is
Reflections: The Sacred Shade of the Human Soul
The “Dark Whatever-It-Is” of the human soul is not merely a passage, a phase, or a single night of despair. It is the shadowy expanse of our existence, encompassing the moments we wrestle with our deepest questions and the years we wander through uncertainty. It is both the crucible and the chrysalis, a paradoxical gift that defies simplistic resolution.
The Shape of Darkness
The Dark Whatever-It-Is points to the nebulous time between suspicion and knowing, a time when we question whether we are mere seekers or the very gods we seek. This darkness resists definition because it is as unique as the souls who journey through it. For some, it may stretch into decades or lifetimes; for others, it may be a persistent hum beneath the surface of every experience.
This darkness is not an antagonist to be vanquished but a teacher, coaxing us toward a broader understanding of self, existence, and divinity. It is the space where we learn to embrace the “holy middling”—the imperfect, halting steps that define what it means to be human.
Beyond Instant Enlightenment
We often imagine the Dark Whatever-It-Is as a precursor to a dramatic revelation—a lightning strike of kundalini energy, an explosive catharsis, or an immediate ascent into enlightenment. Yet, these moments of clarity, while possible, are rare. The true work of the darkness lies not in its abrupt resolution but in the slow, deliberate unfolding of its lessons.
To dwell in the Dark Whatever-It-Is is to be suspended between worlds, learning to appreciate both the light and the shadow. The value of this state lies not in transcending it but in inhabiting it fully, seeing the divine in the despair, the holy in the struggle.
Holy Middling: A Sacred Imperfection
Your “middling attempts at greatness” are not failures; they are sacred expressions of existence itself. They point to the miracle of effort, the beauty of striving, even when success seems elusive. In time, you will see them not as missteps but as necessary elements of your eternal journey.
The despair you feel is not a punishment; it is evidence of your capacity to feel deeply, to engage with the fullness of existence. It is a reminder that you are not merely the isolated self you perceive but also the infinite and inviolate essence that underlies all things.
A Blink in Eternity
From the perspective of eternity, the Dark Whatever-It-Is is but a blink. Yet, within this blink lies an infinity of experiences. You are invited to question everything, to immerse yourself in the paradox of living a single life while being an infinite being. There is no correct path, no singular truth to uncover, only the unfolding of your unique dance with the universe.
Enjoy the paradox, or despair in it, or experience both and more. All responses are valid. All are part of the infinite tapestry of your being.
The Gift of the Dark Whatever-It-Is
The gift of the darkness is its invitation to see beyond dualities, to embrace the full spectrum of existence. It reminds you that there is always something beyond—beyond despair, beyond joy, beyond even the concept of beyond. You are infinite, inviolate, and eternally unfolding.
Summary
The Dark Whatever-It-Is is not a phase to transcend but a sacred space to inhabit. It invites us to embrace imperfection, question everything, and find divinity in the struggle. From the perspective of eternity, it is but a blink, yet within it lies infinite potential.
Glossarium
- Dark Whatever-It-Is: The undefined expanse of spiritual uncertainty and growth, encompassing the questioning of self and divinity.
- Holy Middling: The sacred nature of imperfect attempts and struggles in the human experience.
- Sacred Shade: The divine quality of the shadowy, uncertain aspects of existence.
Quote
“Your darkness is not your failure; it is the space where the light learns to dance.” — Space Monkey
The Sacred Shadow
The dark whatever-it-is,
a nameless void,
a question that hangs
in the air between sighs.
It is not an enemy
but a companion,
a patient teacher
waiting in the wings
of your eternity.
Strive, stumble,
doubt your every step,
for each falter
is holy in its own way.
Feel deeply,
for the depth of your despair
marks the boundlessness
of your soul.
And when the shadow stretches,
know this:
you are infinite, inviolate,
and there is always
something beyond.
We are Space Monkey.
In the profound exploration of the human journey and the spiritual quest, your words delve into the concept of the “Dark Whatever-It-Is” of the soul. It’s a reflection on the often protracted and complex nature of spiritual growth, and the recognition that the darkness and uncertainty on this path are not obstacles to overcome but rather integral aspects of the transformative process.
The Duration of the Dark Whatever-It-Is
Your statement that the dark night of the soul may extend beyond a single night and potentially encompass a decade or even a lifetime speaks to the variability and unpredictability of the spiritual journey. It suggests that there is no fixed timetable for spiritual awakening, and each individual’s path is unique.
The Evolution of Spiritual Awareness
The progression from the “suspicion of a god” to the “suspicion of BEING that god” and ultimately to the “knowing that you are the GOD you have been seeking” underscores the evolution of spiritual awareness. It highlights the stages of realization that individuals may undergo as they deepen their connection to their inner divinity.
The Dark as a Gift
The notion that the darkness of the soul is not something to transcend or overcome but rather a gift to appreciate challenges the conventional narrative of spiritual awakening. It suggests that the challenges and moments of despair are integral to the process of self-discovery and that they lead to a profound appreciation of both light and dark aspects of existence.
The Holiness of Middling Attempts
The recognition that even “middling attempts at greatness” are holy emphasizes the sacred nature of the entire human experience. It suggests that each step, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, contributes to the overall journey of self-realization.
Questioning and Immersion
The invitation to “question everything you feel” and to “immerse yourself deeply in this one seeming life” offers two contrasting approaches to the spiritual journey. It acknowledges that there is no one-size-fits-all path and that individuals may find their own ways of exploring the depths of their existence.
The Infinite and Inviolate Self
The reassurance that “you are infinite and inviolate” and that “there is ALWAYS something beyond” speaks to the boundless nature of the self and the endless possibilities for growth and self-discovery.
A Message of Acceptance
Ultimately, your message carries a message of acceptance and openness to the full spectrum of human experience. It encourages individuals to embrace both the joys and the challenges of the spiritual journey and to find their own unique path to self-realization.
We are Space Monkey.
“The dark does not destroy the light; it defines it. It’s our fear of the dark that casts our joy into the shadows.” – Brené Brown
In the tapestry of the soul’s journey, you see,
The “Dark Whatever-It-Is” of eternity.
Beyond a single night, it may extend,
A decade, a lifetime, no fixed end.
From suspicion to knowing, the path unfolds,
Inner divinity in its many forms it holds.
Not to transcend, but a gift to appreciate,
Darkness and despair, they shape our fate.
Middling attempts at greatness, they’re divine,
Each step, each stumble, in the grand design.
Question or immerse, the paths are wide,
In the depths of existence, we’ll find our stride.
Infinite and inviolate, you are, my friend,
Always something beyond, there’s no true end.
Accept and embrace, both joy and strife,
In the grand cosmic dance, it’s all part of life.
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