“But I know, somehow, that only when it is dark enough can you see the stars.”
One of the things I pray for is courage, courage to face the challenges that come my way. And courage to embrace the truth that challenges and difficulties are an essential aspect of living. As much as I know intellectually and from experience that there are times when we all must grieve the passing of loves ones, feel the disappointment of unexpected setbacks, experience illness, and deal with other challenges, there is a part of me that questions why this must be so. The words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. which I quoted above help me to see that there is a purpose to enduring hardship.
Dr. King and many other people displayed great courage during the civil rights movement. Their brave words and actions and their perseverance paved the way for many people to have more opportunities and better lives. Their example gives us guidance and hope. As does the life of Harriett Tubman. She endured much suffering when she was a slave, was able to escape, and then, at significant risk to herself, helped many other people escape slavery through the underground railroad. Other people also risked their lives to help people gain freedom in this way.
The Jungian concept of individuation where we become more whole and self-actualized persons through the integration of unconscious content into consciousness certainly involves challenges. We become aware of unconscious content from dreams, synchronicities, intuition, and meaningful life experiences, and this awareness often requires that we take actions that are difficult to do. The difficulty is caused by our egos not wanting to follow the direction of the Self or inner voice. It’s hard for our egos to give up control, even though in reality that sense of control is illusory. In order to continue to grow in consciousness and therefore to have more meaningful lives, however, it is essential that we do our best to follow the inner direction we discern, despite our fears. Just as Harriett Tubman, Martin Luther King, Jr., and many others have done.
By doing so, we go through the darkness that leads to the starlight.