Joy: The Search for Light in Dark Times

Sunrise breaks the dark

Slow drawn shadows slip away

Joy calls open heart

Joy: How to Find Light in the Dark

There is much emphasis placed on joy these days. However, in its singular emphasis, I often find this focus to be a major impetus for deeper spiritual, emotional, and physical development. Do we inhabit a hedonic era where we have forgot that, in the pursuit of joy, we must also identify and interact with its shadow? This interaction helps us make sense of its presence. In this article, let us explore how we can use those dark hours of the night, where shadows loom ever-present, to find the light of joy and happiness within.

In the beginning, when God created the heavens and the earth
and the earth was without form or shape, with darkness over the abyss and a mighty wind sweeping over the waters
Then God said: Let there be light, and there was light.
God saw that the light was good. God then separated the light from the darkness. (Gen. 1:1-4 (USCCB)

Addressing the Dark

Before time, before human eyes had the perception to judge the formless void of waters that brought life to a lifeless planet, there was darkness. A place devoid of light. Maybe it was hell, perhaps it was not. Regardless, it was in this place that a mighty wind swept over the waters. The grace of light showed its face, constituting the first day, even though its grandeur could only be seen by one. It was during this creation moment that the universe experienced its first sensation of something that resembled joy. This leads to the question: how can we find the light of joy in a world devoid of its presence?

What I have found, is that first, we must fall into this state of absence. Then, we may emerge from the other end to realize the light of the journey gained.

A Fall into the Dark

I have often told people undergoing depression that it is a natural state of affairs. We all undergo depression at times. It is the soul’s function to move within, to glean the lessons from some storyline. This storyline calls upon us to tend to its presence. Whether it be the loss of a loved one, a trauma, or simply the soul’s need for profound reflection on a habit it has inflicted upon itself, this is the soul’s natural calling. It pulls us within, and like a mirror, it shows us the true nature we need to reflect upon. This inner reflection may help us find joy hidden within us.

Have you ever experienced this calling? Most people have experienced this phenomenon at some point in their lives. It is the natural calling of the soul. That may be why soul music is so profoundly moving. It forces one to take note of any light that may be present.

Pushing through the Other Side

A common saying from the depressive position is to “pull yourself up by the bootstraps.” A philosophy such as this is not simply the case, for as both religion and philosophy understand, there are clear lessons to learn. These lessons come from the nature of suffering and the joyful rewards that perseverance reveals.

Instead, if we follow in the footsteps of the Italian Mystic Poet and Politician, Dante Alighieri, we must first descend into Purgatorio. We then face the flames of the Inferno, so that we may emerge out the other side in Paradisio. We never pull ourselves out of the soul’s calling to descend. Instead, we push out the other side. In doing so, we aim to find that inherent elevated state so sought after in today’s world.

The Joy of Paradise Gained

“The darker the night, the brighter the stars, the deeper the grief, the closer is God!”

Poem by Apollon Maykov, but often attributed to Fyodor Dostoyevsky

What a beautiful concept. There is nothing like a little Russian literature to remind us of the light. This light is present even during the darkest of times reflecting the essence of joy.

Through its twists and turns, meandering valleys and peak experiences, life unfolds in a manner uncertain. However, just the act of walking towards the light alone will create a shadow of that which was left behind. Do we need to dwell in its presence, or can we see the wondrous trails that lie before us? Joy calls upon the heart to open itself. In doing so, we will face the shadows within. But do not fear, for it is in the act of pushing through them that one overtakes the peak. However, will that be the end experience?

I think not. Instead, as we reach the zenith, it will only be the beginning of the story. For it is in our willingness to learn, adapt, overcome, and bear through the complicated shadows that we create the storyline of our life. In the end, can we find joy in the stories we want told about our life?

In Loving and Living Memory

I started this article before the world took an abrupt U-turn. I wanted to write about joy, but how much pleasure is possible when a senseless act of political violence took the life of someone? A young father, husband, religious apologist, philosophical debater, and above all, a human being. Mr. Kirk, your memory will live on, even as your martyred soul finds rest with the Lord above. Thank You. You helped turn many with your unrelenting will to shine a light in a sea of darkness and confusion that so often plagues a space devoid of Faith’s presence. May your shining light rest and be a beacon of hope for generations to come.

Pax Christi

Fill Your Glass: The Disciplined Practice of Loving-Kindness – A Sacred Journey: Where Myths Unfold and Potential Awakens

"You cannot pour from an empty cup." Dr. Thomas Maples joins us to discuss why loving-kindness is more than just a feeling—it's a powerful tool for spiritual development.Learn how to shift your perspective away from despair using mindfulness and faith. We dive deep into the psychology of self-compassion, the necessity of facing our internal darkness, and how to cultivate a lasting sense of hope. If you're looking to bridge the gap between psychology and spirituality, this episode is your roadmap to authentic joy.

Dr. Thomas Maples

Dr. Thomas Maples