title: Darkness Visible: Awakening Spiritual Light through Darkness Meditation
author:  Ross Heaven 
description: <i>Starred Review.</i> Joseph Campbell would have liked this bright book on an essential and overlooked everyday pathway to greater spiritual strength. Part discourse, part anthropological exploration and part spiritual road map, this volume asks the simple and profound question: "What might we learn about ourselves and the powers of the 'other world' by surrendering to the beauty and opportunity for greater vision afforded us in darkness?" This pioneering effort marshals the experiences of various global cultures that look to extended periods of literal darkness for spiritual initiation and inner illumination. The text is based in part on excerpts from various people who have participated in the authors' "Darkness Visible" workshops. The praiseworthy testimonials ground the volume with real experiences and ring with consistent clarity, attesting to the capacity of darkness for fostering an "exquisite connection to spirit, self, and others." Extending an open hand to all faith traditions and offering interesting and simple exercises, the authors transcend any erroneous notions of occultism that may be associated with the title. A valuable asset to personal and public libraries, this work opens the door to the wondrous dark chamber we enter every time we close our eyes to pray, meditate, chant or dream.<br />Copyright  Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
zlib_text: 
  
  
  # Chapter 254: Hello Darkness
  
  
  
  
  
  Darkness. Complete darkness.
  
  
  
  
  
  I was floating, hovering in an utter reflectionless black. Whether I was
  drifting along or suspended in place, I couldn’t tell.
  
  
  
  
  
  All knew was that there was nothing else—no sound, taste, smell, or touch in
  this sea of perpetual darkness.
  
  
  
  
  
  It was peaceful at first. I felt like I was both nothing and everything at the
  same time. I felt like a tiny spec in a vast universe, yet I also felt like
  nothing else existed aside from myself.
  
  
  
  
  
  However, as time passed, I recalled more of what I was. I was a human…with
  hands, feet, and a body.
  
  
  
  
  
  Yet, I couldn’t feel anything. I tried curling my fingers and toes. I tried
  flaring my nostrils, opening my mouth. I couldn’t feel anything. I couldn’t
  even feel myself breathe.
  
  
  
  
  
  Fear took hold quickly. It didn’t come in any physiological signs that I was
  accustomed to. No thumping of my heart, no quickening of my breath, no
  trembling of my body.
  
  
  
  
  
  Hell, I wished I c