5 Philosophical Ways To Get Your Mind Out Of Dark Places
2 min readDec 21, 2023
Our minds often wander into darker thoughts like a curious but cautious cat exploring a dimly lit room. It takes a great deal of willpower and a blend of wisdom, perspective, and a touch of whimsy to extract oneself from these shadowed corners. Here are five philosophical lanterns that can help light your way out of these dark places.
- Embrace the Stoic’s Serenity: The Stoics, with their unflappable demeanor, teach us the art of distinguishing between what is within our control and what is not. When ensnared in a dark mental alley, remember the words of Epictetus, “We cannot choose our external circumstances, but we can always choose how we respond to them.” Focus on your reactions and thoughts, the beacon of your inner strength, and let go of external tempests.
- The Socratic Dialogue with the Self: With his relentless questioning, Socrates showed us that understanding begins with a question. When in dark places, initiate a dialogue with yourself. Question your fears, dissect your anxieties, and challenge your assumptions. Often, the monsters lurking in the dark lose their power under the scrutiny of inquiry.
- Nietzsche’s Dance with Adversity: Friedrich Nietzsche, who famously declared, “What does not kill me, makes me stronger,” invites us to dance with our struggles. View your dark mental spaces as a crucible for growth. Embrace them, learn from them, and emerge more robust, like a blade forged in fire.
- The Buddhist Path of Mindfulness: Buddha, with his profound insights into the nature of the mind, teaches us the power of mindfulness. Be present in the moment, observe your thoughts without judgment, and let them pass like leaves on a river. Mindfulness is the gentle art of keeping your boat steady in the choppy waters of your mind.
- Camus’ Absurd Rebellion: Lastly, Albert Camus, in his exploration of the absurd, reminds us of the rebellion inherent in seeking meaning in a seemingly meaningless world. Find your meaning, and create your light in the darkness. It’s in this personal rebellion, this defiance against the absurdity of existence, that one finds true liberation.
Emerging from dark mental spaces is not a journey of mere steps but a soul pilgrimage. Each of these philosophical guides offers a torch — it is up to us to take it and illuminate our path, understanding that the journey out of darkness is as much about embracing the light as it is about conquering the shadows.
Murat
