Darkness Quote by Walter de la Mare
““Poor sleepers should endeavor to compose themselves. Tampering with empty space, stirring up echoes in pitch-black pits of darkness is scarcely sedative. ("Out Of The Deep")””
About This Quote
Source Poem: “Out Of The Deep” (published 1919)
The poem warns that trying to control restless thoughts at night can worsen anxiety, offering little calm.
In simple terms: Trying to control night thoughts can increase anxiety.
Key Takeaway
Accept the mind’s wandering without force.
Themes
sleep
anxiety
mindfulness
control
Mood
contemplative
somber
Type
poetic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- insomnia
- meditation
- stress management
- creative writing
Key Concepts
cognitive unrest
nighttime rumination
Questions to Reflect On
- What techniques help you settle thoughts?
- Can acceptance reduce nighttime anxiety?
A Different Perspective
Attempting to force calm may backfire.
![“When they [people with insomnia] start worrying about not sleeping, I'll say, "Say the mantra to myself; if I don't sleep tonight, I'll likely sleep tomorrow, and if not tomorrow then definitely the third" because our body has a way of naturally catching up.” quote by Shelby Harris](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/234/shelby-harris-10520_body_when-they-people-with-insomnia-start-wor_5850.jpg)
