The dark night of the soul has been known to last for several years. On the other hand, it has also been known to pass away in a single year. It is a trying time when the power to meditate, the desire to worship, the urge to pray, the hope of spiritual attainment, and even the feeling of God's benevolence desert the pilgrim.

-- Notebooks Category 23: Advanced Contemplation > Chapter 3: The Dark Night of The Soul > # 17