Consolation and Desolation

Linda, this is an excellent question. One good check is simply a physical check-up with your doctor. Describe your symptoms. Thyroid problems can cause symptoms that might otherwise be felt as desolation. Other physical imbalances can cause problems as well. Sleep problems will set your whole life askew. Most doctors now will have you answer a set of questions designed to indicate clinical depression. Don’t be ashamed to see a counselor or psychiatrist if your doctor recommends this. Don’t be ashamed if a psychiatrist suggests medication.
I think it’s a good idea to have someone to talk to about your spiritual life, whether it’s a pastor, pastoral counselor, or a spiritual director. It is always beneficial to practice prayer in its various forms, whether you’re physically ill, clinically depressed, or in spiritual desolation. In fact, when you are consistently tending your spiritual life, you are better able to recognize when the problem is spiritual or something else. One woman finally decided to try medication when she realized that all other factors in her life–relationships, spiritual life, work, etc–were not in crisis and that she was actually practicing prayer and taking care of herself. What she thought was spiritual desolation–or felt like God’s turning away from her–was in fact a form of depression that was helped by medication. Once the medication had rebalanced her system, she was better able to do her prayer and her work and engage with others.
This answer is not very organized–sorry! I do think that Margaret Silf’s lists continue to help people determine if they are in desolation. I also encourage people to look at other possibilities when it seems that dealing with things only at a spiritual level does not bring much change. And don’t forget to talk with people who love you and know you; sometimes they can see what is not so clear to you. A friend can say, “I think you’ve been exhausted for two months” or “I sense that you’re closing in on yourself, and that’s not like you.” I hope this is helpful. Use it if it is, and if not–please disregard.

God bless you Vanita. Your advice and direction, alongside Margaret Silf’s help certainly describe my ‘yo yo’ Lenten state. I think we all seem to experience dark days during our Lenten journey. ‘I thirst’ is my constant companion.
In peace and hope and longing we move on together. God bless you all.
Anne

I do think you can experience a wide variance in emotions and responses to your situation. Dealing with an ill loved one will bring on natural emotional responses such as sadness, greater sensitivity, and a feeling of being cut off. I don’t think this is desolation if you continue to grow in love and faith and hope. If you sense that you are doing what God desires, you are more likely in consolation. But we can experience “negative” emotions when we’re doing exactly the right thing. If you feel yourself drawing away from God and losing your hope and not caring as much about anyone else, that is more likely desolation. Does this make sense?

Yes, you’re right. Let me clarify. Ignatius encouraged those in desolation not to change course but to increase in actions that would come against the enemy of our souls. That is, I should pray more and do more spiritual practice when in desolation. That’s what I meant by “change course,” but I should have said it differently. In today’s language, I think Ignatius would say to be proactive in prayer when going through desolation, and that’s a bit different from simply continuing doing what you’re doing. Thanks for asking for the clarification.