"Any darkening of the mind, disturbance therein, instigation to the lowest or earthly things; together with every disquietude and agitation, or temptation, which moves to distrust concerning salvation, and expels hope and charity; whence the soul feels that she is saddened, grows lukewarm, becomes torpid, and almost despairs of the mercy of God. Listen: How to live when you're in pain This is how Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuit order of priests, described "spiritual desolation" in 1548."
"One might easily conclude that the natural and appropriate course of action is to make a change at the point of desolation-to dissolve the relationship; quit the job; look for consolation again in novelty. But this may very well not be correct. One of the secrets to long-term well-being is to understand spiritual desolation not as a block to your well-being but as a pathway that promises personal growth. If you know how to use desolation to get to the other side, an even sweeter consolation awaits."
Ignatius of Loyola defined spiritual desolation as a darkening of the mind that brings distrust, expels hope and charity, and leaves the soul saddened and lukewarm. Consolation describes the initial ease and lightness that follows new faith or fresh beginnings. Many experiences—romantic relationships, new jobs—begin with excitement then shift into boredom, conflict, or oppression. The instinctive response is often to change course in search of new consolation. A more resilient approach treats desolation as an opportunity for growth: enduring and working through the low period can lead to a deeper, sweeter, and longer-lasting consolation.
Read at The Atlantic
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