Spiritual Emergency

Many people going through what Western psychiatry labels ‘psychosis’ speak of the deeply transformative, profound spiritual nature of their experience.

During these states, it is common to feel an overwhelming sense of oneness with the Divine, as well as feelings of ecstatic elation, as the boundaries of the everyday self, or ego, are transcended and the contents of the unconscious emerge into consciousness. These non-ordinary states of consciousness can, however, be deeply disorientating and therefore extremely difficult to navigate.

Characteristics can include communication with a Higher Power; visions; as well as heightened inspiration, taking forms of poetry; music; art; etc. It has been seen that these states have the potential to lead to a more awakened and integrated sense of self and hence the ability to function in a healthier way. Psychiatrist John Perry described this as “weller than well”.

Psychiatrist Stanislov Grof and his wife Christina, coined the term ‘Spiritual Emergency’ (also known as Spiritual Crisis), to describe this state, as daily functioning is often impaired due to the overwhelming nature of emotions during this time. Spiritual Emergence is a more gradual type of transformation, where one experiences a greater sensitivity and awareness of the spiritual realm but it is able to be integrated into everyday life. When this becomes too intense or happens too suddenly, it becomes Spiritual Emergency – the two are on the same continuum.

As there are numerous triggers for Spiritual Emergency, Grof suggests that it is an individual’s readiness for inner transformation that lies at the root of these transformative experiences. Other catalysts include deep meditation e.g. Vipassana, taking psychedelic drugs, prolonged lack of sleep, childbirth, a powerful sexual experience, near-death experiences, and / or a traumatic emotional experience.

In this expanded sense of reality, synchronicity seems to happen more than usual as well as gaining knowledge of cosmic relevance, however, because of its ineffable nature, not being able to put it into words afterward.

If treated in a nurturing and supportive environment, these experiences lead to a deeper sense of purpose, love, and compassion, as well as an increased zest for life. Perhaps the most important aspect determining whether one will gain the potential insights from a Spiritual Emergency experience is whether the person is supported during this meaningful experience as opposed to being told they are ‘crazy’.