If the spiritual emergence is sudden it can entail a series of overwhelming experiences that are difficult to bear. Addressing and overcoming it properly improves the perception of one’s own existence Kambo practitioner training.
We all understand that we grow physically and emotionally from the moment we are born. We also understand and accept that this growth is often accompanied by physical discomfort (teething in childhood, the growth spurt of adolescence…) and usually includes emotional challenges of various kinds.
But what happens with our spiritual evolution? Do we also grow spiritually? And if so, what are the challenges it may entail?
THE CHALLENGES OF GROWING SPIRITUALLY
Spiritual development is an innate capacity in every human being . It is a drive toward wholeness, toward discovering one’s true potential. Growing spiritually is as natural as being born, growing and dying, it is an integral part of our existence.
The mystical teachings of all ages contemplate spiritual evolution . They agree that humanity is part of the creative cosmic consciousness. The discovery of our divine nature can lead, both individually and collectively, to a more fulfilling life.
Spiritual evolution usually happens progressively. Our spiritual nature emerges and we learn to live with more consciousness , we acquire freedom of choice, connection with other people and nature.
The more we delve into ourselves, the more we discover our latent potential : the positive qualities, the creativity, the gratitude, the passion.
EVERY EVOLUTION CAN LEAD TO A CRISIS
However, sometimes, this emergence of the spirit stops being progressive and can manifest itself abruptly and intensely.
following an illness, an accident, giving birth or having an abortion, a strong emotional experience, a significant loss, or deep involvement in a meditative or religious practice.
The doors of the spirit then open and it emerges, literally, flooding our field of consciousness, in ways that can be joyful, but also disturbing and difficult to integrate. That gives rise to a spiritual emergency , a crisis in the transformation process.
The terms emerging and spiritual emergency were coined by psychiatrist Stanislav Grof and his wife Christina , pioneers in the research of these experiences. They created the term spiritual emergency as a play on words that includes two aspects: on the one hand, emergency is a sudden crisis; On the other hand, emerge refers to what arises, what manifests, in this case contents that emerge into consciousness.
OSCILLATION BETWEEN THE UNCONSCIOUS AND THE CONSCIOUS
For Kabir Sahid (1440-1518), the spirit oscillates between these two poles, that of the conscious and that of the unconscious. In that swing all beings and all worlds are suspended, and their oscillation never ceases.
A spiritual crisis usually entails easy access to states of expanded or non-ordinary consciousness, in which repressed contents emerge in the unconscious.
This internal expansion may involve unusual thoughts, intuitions or the need to change our way of life and values. Unusual movements and energies can circulate through the body.
These episodes are usually linked to spiritual, mythological and archetypal themes; They may also include sequences of psychological rebirth and death, karmic memories, communication with spirit guides, sensations of oneness with the universe, and other phenomena.
In the lives of shamans, mystics, poets and wise men, episodes are described where events of this type are a relevant part of their path.
PLEASANT OR DISTRESSING, TWO SIDES OF THE SAME PROCESS
Whoever goes through a spiritual emergency can be flooded with pleasant sensations and luminous visions ; thresholds are crossed into unknown dimensions. The experience can be sweet and the desire to remain in that sublime expansion full of learning arises.
Likewise, the experience can be overwhelming and distressing at times. Some internal changes make it difficult to function in everyday reality. And it takes time to take care of yourself during that process.
DIFFERENCES WITH PSYCHOSIS
A common question is how to distinguish a spiritual emergency from a psychosis , since in both cases there can be intense experiences, anguish and strange or unusual manifestations.
For Stanislav Grof, a psychiatrist who is an expert on this topic, it is impossible to identify different psychics with a different approach. In both cases, the important thing is to find the best way to support someone going through a crisis , after ruling out any underlying physical cause.
In some cases, there may be symptoms that are not part of an evolutionary process , but rather pathological, especially if there is an inability to perceive the manifestations as something internal, extreme distrust of any attempt at help, and persecutory delusions that prevent a cooperative relationship.
These and other manifestations may require medical and pharmacological intervention that moderates or even represses the process, seeking prompt psychological stabilization or remission of the episode. An experienced professional must collaborate in the complex task of suggesting appropriate support.
APPROACH AWAKENING WITH A TRANSPERSONAL APPROACH
In the face of a clear spiritual emergency, which is an evolutionary process, it is most appropriate to offer support from a transpersonal psychology approach , allowing the emerging process to unfold as necessary.
The Grof couple created the Grof Transpersonal Training , also taught in Spain, which addresses the therapeutic aspect of expanded states of consciousness through the Holotropic Breathing technique , and addresses spiritual emergencies from a transpersonal approach.
It is common for those who are going through a spiritual emergency to make a series of visits to doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, etc., looking for some type of solution. This gives an idea of the difficulty involved in the practical approach.
Unfortunately, there are hardly any assistance centers with a transpersonal vision. Multidisciplinary work teams are required for physical, emotional and psychological care. We still have much to learn in the non-pathological consideration of these experiences.
HOW TO HELP AND ACCOMPANY IN A SPIRITUAL EMERGENCY
Going through a spiritual emergency often requires a support network. Faced with possible confusion or vulnerability, ideally, therapists, family and friends can offer support and encouragement with equanimity.
It is important that close people do not attempt to direct or control the course of the process with their interventions. It is rather about accepting the role of accompanying witness with a receptive and loving attitude, allowing the process of the person experiencing the emergency to unfold until it ends.
Trust, patience, flexibility and an open attitude with some humor and no judgment are often very valuable. Furthermore, for those who accompany it, it can constitute a revealing and exciting episode of self-discovery.