Written by: Alison Rothman, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Everyone dips into the darkness at times in their lives. For some, it’s just moments. For others, this darkness could span longer stretches of time. The severity of these dark times is variable and can propel immense growth and new possibilities if worked with on an embodied level. I am in no way discounting the severity of and impact that darkness and depression can have on one's life. This article is an invitation to view the darkness with a new lense of growth and healing.
In full transparency, I write and share from my own personal journey through some very dark times when I was in my 20s, over 25 years ago. Days in which getting out of bed was a major feat and when questioning my life's purpose was at the forefront of my thought process. I know what it feels like to be immersed in that level of despair. I respect and know those moments of feeling the darkness in fleeting periods of time.
I also understand and know in my entire being what it demands within us to be with that darkness without running, numbing, distracting, suppressing, and avoiding these feelings.
I understand what it feels like to be buried in the pile of density and also that feeling of emerging and palpating the light from deep within me.
What I know to be true, and believe with every ounce of my being, is that we need the darkness to see the light.
Those moments of contraction open up the possibility for a grander expansion.
Darkness, feeling down, in the thick of the muck of life… is not necessarily a “bad” thing. It signifies and shows us where the gaps are in ourselves, in our relationships, and in our lives.
Where we need to grow, shine light, and pour on the love… where we need to heal.
Many avoid the darkness and instead turn to various means of avoidance, namely addictions (i.e., food, booze, drugs, shopping, etc.). Anything that can temporarily soothe the pain of the darkness – that uncomfortable and uneasy place of existing – that palpable pain that penetrates you to the core of who you are.
The darkness that consumes you – that engulfs you – the darkness that looms and informs how you are moving in the world. The darkness that takes your breath away – that penetrates your cells – forces you to question every single thing about your existence. Those times of life that bring you to your knees – that lure you back into your bed – that fill you with the angst of humanity.
When we avoid the darkness, that is when it becomes problematic. By avoiding, we end up inadvertently diminishing ourselves. We become numb to or scared of the darkness. By avoiding it, we internalize this energy and it can embed in our cells and tissues, creating a whole host of other issues.
There is so much wisdom to be gleaned by surrendering to and embracing the darkness.
It is a wonderful opportunity to slow down and tune in with ourselves. To access what soul-level care we are needing… for our bodies, for our hearts, and for our spirits.
By attuning to these deeper level needs, we have the opportunity to rebirth ourselves over and over and over again.
These are the moments when it is absolutely essential to do whatever you can to drop down into your body. Bringing yourself wholly to these moments. Choosing to take whatever path, activity, action, gesture, and/or practice you have accessible in the moment to connect to yourself on an embodied level.
This is a rich and empowered way of living.
A deeply satisfying and expansive shape of ourselves to take in the world.
Leaning into, surrendering to, and melting into the darker moments of life is a gift.
It is an invitation to grow in ways that were perhaps unimaginable to you up until this point.
Do not fear the darkness.
Do not resist the darkness.
Do not fight the darkness.
Embrace it. Dive into it. Work with it. Learn from it.
Bonus! Journaling questions for inquiry:
What do you do when the darkness creeps into your life? Do you meet it? Avoid it?
What can you do to embrace those darker moments in your life with more presence?
What is the darkness trying to tell you? What information and/or messages does it hold?
Are you struggling during a dark time of your life? I would be honored to be of support. Please use the code: BRAINZLOVE for 10% off all coaching sessions or packages. Here is also a link for a 20-minute Zoom call with me to see if we might be a good fit to work together:
Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin or visit my website for more info!
Alison Rothman, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Alison Rothman MA CYT, is a Body-Centered Holistic Wellness Coach and Transformational Group Facilitator with 25+ years of study and experiences in somatic healing arts and therapy, yoga and meditation, authentic embodiment, and holistic healing. Through her extensive studies, practices, and experiences she provides clients and students with the ability to tap into their innate inner resource and release debilitating life patterns in order to access their truth, power, and reclaim their body, mind, heart, and soul connection.
Alison is passionate about supporting and empowering women to unwind their nervous systems, make peace with their bodies, and remember who they truly are.
She has survived several highly traumatizing life events including a house fire and a near death experience. Additionally, Alison has navigated divorce and single motherhood for over a decade, utilizing her practices in support of her own embodiment during times of stress and challenge.
She carries with her an embodied understanding of the wisdom and intelligence of the body and brings to her sessions, groups, and writing a deep intimacy with herself, her own process of life experiences, and a passion for supporting and inspiring others in utilizing the magic of everyday living as medicine for growth and healing.
Alison is an expert in the realm of trauma, eating disorder and addiction recovery, body image issues, and utilizing holistic wellness practices to attain sustainable, embodied, and empowered healing.
In addition to her one-on-one work she facilitates retreats, runs women’s groups (both virtual and in person), writes, speaks and is the host of the podcast "Embodied and Awake." She lives in beautiful Boulder, Colorado with her 13-year old son.
