Dark Nights of the Soul: A Guide to Finding Your Way Through Life's Ordeals

As a mental health counselor I struggle with helping patients understand the difference between depression and challenging times in their lives. The author helps you to undertand that life will bring great challenges that will make things hard for us. The learning experience can lead to a higher level of joy in our lives knowing we have overcome adversity. It is difficult in a culture seeking happiness to accept this but the author delivers the message in a kind and loving way. Very glad I found this book

I've known and followed Tom Moore and his work for years now, and I find this work to be of the best books he has written. Dark Night is clear, literate, focused, and immediately useful, identifying the gnarly issues of post-modern adult life and shining beautiful bright light on the path at the places where it narrows. Moore is at the height of his powers, incorporating what he has touched on previously, evolving it, deepening it, while making his piercing perception very accesible. I highly recommend this book, without reservation. And, bonus, it is a good read to boot.

"Every human life is made up of the light and the dark, the happy and the sad, the vital and the deadening. How you think about this rhythm of moods makes all the difference. Are you going to hide out in self-delusion and distracting entertainments? Are you going to become cynical or depressed? Or are you going to open your heart to a mystery that is as natural as the sun and the moon, day and night, and summer and winter?" The above quotation is the crucial question in Thomas Moore's sequel to his best-selling and ultimately helpful "Care of the Soul." Read in his soothing, contemplative voice it is a challenge to all for everyone of us experiences times of grief, suffering, disappointment, and failure. Rather than reject these experiences, try to avoid them or get through them as quickly as possible, Moore, a former Catholic monk who became a therapist, suggests that we see them as opportunities for personal and spiritual growth. Not an easy task you say. I quite agree. Yet, as Moore speaks from his personal life, cites case studies, and presents stories from art, literature, and mythology, listeners may find both encouragement and strength. - Gail Cooke

Thomas Moore never disapoints. His previous works, including CARE OF THE SOUL, somehow manage to transcend pop culture, yet remain accessible and practical to the general reader with a yearning to grow. If only everyone could take the time to read his work, or listen to his tapes, we'd all be better people.DARK NIGHTS OF THE SOUL is especially needed in these times of quick-fix therapy and entertainment as anti-depressant. We need to accept the fact that tough times and dark episodes in our lives must be dealt with and honored, not medicated or pushed under the rug. Dark nights offer potential for growth, for soul expansion, and Thomas Moore is the one to lead us on this important journey.If you enjoyed his earlier work, you will appreciate his latest effort, and no doubt, will notice that he too is growing as a writer and giving us more to think about. Don't overlook this one.

There should be a section in the book stores called intelligent and thoughtful reflection. You can find books like these but they are scattered in the hundreds of awful releases in "Self Help", "New Age" or "Philosophy".Moore is intelligent, thoughtful and has spent years in reflection. He's also a good writer who doesn't offer easy answers. I've loved all his books. This is no exception.