Out of the Darkness: Insight & Evolution August 14
Man looks into the Abyss, and there’s nothin’ staring back at him. At that moment, man finds his character, and that’s what keeps him out of the Abyss. –Lou Manheim, Wall Street (1987)
It has become clear to me in these historically unsettling times that many around us, in our personal, professional and family lives may find themselves hurting, feeling sad, alone with a heavy heart, suffering from anxiety or depression. My advice is as follows.
It is out of the darkness, solitude and in those moments that we find ourselves most alone that we shall gain some tremendous insight and perspective to what is truly meaningful in life. As stated by Henry David Thoreau: “Most men lead lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave with the song still in them. … It is only when we forget all our learning that we begin to know.”
It is during the journey through the long dark night of the soul that we evolve and become more spiritually inclined. Pain and suffering do serve a rather profound purpose in life. I know all too well from first hand experience. Several years back, it took walking in another man’s shoes, feeling the misery and pain of failure, loss and destructive addictive behavior and overcoming it to make me realize that it was that “crazy person” next to me that was simply one of god’s little green apples trying to tutor and enlighten me. In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr: “Human salvation lies in the hands of the creatively maladjusted.” And my salvation was in learning how to make the most of seemingly crazy ideas. Through this learning experience, I began to see the world around me and the people in it quite differently. That time helped me evolve to where I am now, with greater emotional security, clarity and perspective, even though my station in life is every bit if not more precarious than others who may be suffering at present.
While many artists and writers create their greatest works from channeling melancholy and the infinite sadness lurking in their soul, let there be no doubt, it is a place which we must evolve past. And whenever possible we must strive to guide those we love to evolve past this, because to intensely focus on that which is painful and depressing, will, after a while, deplete all of your constructive energy. That state of mind is not a place you want to live full time. The life of a broken, dispirited artist is in my estimation, highly over rated even if it seems like a “dramatic” existence.
To live in a dark cold place too long will drive one mad. So it is in these times where we all may face challenges, the significance of which we are not necessarily prepared for, I say reach for the sunshine and reach for the light with every ounce of your soul. It is a much healthier place to live and ultimately necessary to survive! And whenever possible, try to remind and bolster those around you that you see slipping into the abyss, to reach for the light. And when they may need medical help or shelter try to be resourceful. Now more than ever we need to rekindle our sense of community. A smile, a warm hand, some simple friendly guidance, a hug or just spending some time may save a soul. So if you were to ask me Am I my brother’s keeper? The answer is yes,I am my brother’s keeper. There is a divine purpose for all of this:
We are not alone.
RESOURCES:
Mental Health
-Mental Health Association of NYC
-NYU Langone Medical Center
-New York Presbyterian
-Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance
-The Samaritans of NYC: Suicide Prevention Hotline: 212-673-3000
Transitional Services
-Transitional Services Links Guide
-JBFCS
-Catholic Charities of New York
-Coalition For The Homeless
-Common Ground
-Women In Need
Addiction
-New York Alcohol & Drug Treatment Centers & Programs
-Alcoholism Council of New York
-Capo by the Sea (California Inpatient Rehab Treatment Center)