The key to survival and progress is the acceptance of pain. One must learn to carry pain in one's heart and mind in order to go through the passive purification of the senses and the spirit.
Nothing matters, except that one continues to will to love God above all else, above all persons.
The focus is all.
A good habit at these stages is to meditate on the Crucifixion. One could have one nearby in prayer at all times.
One can look at the Cross, at the Beloved Crucified and join with Him in that suffering.
As one learns how to do this, a freedom becomes more obvious in one's spirit.
Fear disappears and a fresh and new reliance on Divine Providence occurs.
to be continued....