There are generally three stages to the discovery and integration of a reality including disturbing and negative aspects:
– the first stage precedes the revelation, and consists of a beatitude or happiness made of ignorance, a positive emotional state but vulnerable, although continuous because not disturbed by the truth.
– the second stage is the negative emotional shock due to the revelation of part of the dark reality. This is the dark valley of despair.
– the third and final stage: the negative emotion is transformed and the final emotion that results from it is stronger because it is united with the accepted truth. This emotional state is stronger than the first and more effective than the second.
Positive emotions serve our personal progress, and knowledge serves us to avoid traps and illusions. Apprehending and accepting the truth, including it in a much broader metaphysical scope, is a key step in transforming the negative into a positive.
“Let him who seeks not cease seeking until he finds. And when he has found it, he will be troubled; when he is troubled, he will be amazed, and he will reign over All. » Gospel of Tomas.