Change can force a transformation. Spiritual transformation always includes a usually disconcerting reorientation. It can either help people to find a new meaning, or it can force people to close down and turn slowly bitter. The difference is determined precisely by the quality of our inner life, our spirituality.

Change just happens, but transformation is always a process of letting go, living in the confusing dark space for a while, and eventually being spit up on a new and unexpected shore.

You can see why Jonah in the belly of the whale is such an important symbol for many Jews and Christians.

from Hope Against Darkness