What causes a yoga crisis, or the dark night of the soul

Are you suddenly experiencing doubts in the middle of your yoga journey? No more motivation, no more inspiration—just resistance? This so-called “dark night of the soul” is not a step backward, but a crucial step in your development. In our work, we repeatedly see how important it is to be able to understand this phase. Here you can find out why it is completely normal—and what can help you now, if you have lost your motivation for yoga. 

Why does a yoga crisis or “dark night of the soul” occur?

How do you deal with such a situation?

We need an ego – but...

Conclusion

No mood for yoga

You may be familiar with this: you start a yoga teacher training course or meditation class full of motivation, and the world couldn't be more beautiful and bright. Everything is inspiring, new, transformative. You meet like-minded people and you're “in the flow.”

And then... after a while – maybe after a year or two or even later in the process – the moment comes when you think:

What's the point of all this?

What does it really do for me?

Do I even need this?

“I have zero interest in yoga, meditation, pranayama, or anything else ‘yogic’. I feel like I'm not making any progress. Maybe this isn't for me? Maybe I'm not cut out for it?”

An important marker in your development – and why it's still not a walk in the park

Does this sound familiar?

You are not alone in this. This is called a yoga crisis or, in a spiritual context, “the dark night of the soul.”

You can breathe easy: it's normal. And it actually happens to everyone who delves deeper into yoga. This phase marks an important point in your development as a soul.

When we develop ourselves through yoga and meditation and allow more “light” in – that is to say, when we engage more and more with our personality, turn our attention to our shadow issues, and question old patterns of behavior and thinking – then our ego becomes distressed.

In yoga, we describe the ego as the “little self”: the personality that identifies with all worldly things. The one that is entangled in its thoughts and emotions. The one that clings to everything that is dear to it – and does not want to let go.

When this ego is touched by the light of the soul – through the constant practice we bring to it – tension arises.

The light, or the “big self,” says:

“Hey, you can relax. You are more than your body, your possessions, or your titles. You don't have to constantly fear, stress, or doubt. You are carried by a wonderful, loving light.”

However, the ego doesn't like this. Because when you let all this light in, it asks:

“What will happen to me then?”

And it concludes:

“Then I'll be gone – and I can't let that happen.”

This is exactly where this inner conflict arises. Thoughts like the ones described above pop up. You doubt the path, your motivation sinks, and you toy with the idea of just giving up.

We encounter such phases time and again, because we accompany our participants on their yoga journey over a longer period of time – if they so wish – and because this topic regularly comes up in group discussions.

The important thing is that nothing should be forced at such a moment. Neither from outside nor from within.

Understanding the phenomenon described above helps to put the situation into perspective. And it's okay to take a break. To not practice every day. To loosen the reins a little. To rest. To take good care of yourself – in the sense of self-care.

However, if you give up completely and throw in the towel, you will miss a great opportunity.

That's why we recommend slowing down. Maybe even stopping and resting for a while. And reconciling with your ego, so to speak.

Because we need an ego to function in this world.

But we need a conscious ego. And that's exactly where yoga helps us.

What does that mean specifically?

A conscious ego is a person who is aware of their emotions and can classify them. Who makes conscious actions and decisions—and takes responsibility for them. A person who knows that they carry a light within themselves and are part of an even greater light.

Questions that help us get through such a phase

What do you really want?

It is not wrong to want material things: a bigger apartment, a partner, nice vacations, more money, a new job—or whatever.

But when you have all that, are you at peace?

Many people know that the answer is no. That feeling of “I still need this or that” to finally be happy and content never really goes away.

The answer lies in the immaterial. The more you fill yourself with light, the more content you will become.

That doesn't mean you will only experience “peace, joy, and happiness.” But you will experience a deeper inner contentment – and less stress. You may continue to have material desires, but you will define yourself less by them than before.

So if you ever reach a point on your journey where you feel like giving up, remember:

👉🏼 You are at a crossroads. And that's a good sign.

👉🏼 You have more light within you than before.

👉🏼 Take your time. Take a break if you want to. Rest. And then pick up where you left off.

What do you think about this topic? Have you been at this point before? What helped you?

📧 Feel free to write to us about your experience at: infotheyogaplace.ch

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