Are You Wondering What Spiritual Emergency Is?

The term “spiritual emergence” was first coined by Dr. Stanilav Grof, a psychiatrist, and his then-wife, Christina Grof. The phrase is also referred to as a “spiritually transformative experience,” a “transpersonal experience,” or an “Exceptional Human Experience.” Some individuals may not identify with their experience as being spiritual. Some do not feel changed by them. The terms vary because the subject is broad, and language cannot capture the inherent ineffability of the experience. The following categorization of spiritual experiences comes from Aciste.org (American Center for the Integration of Spiritually Transformative Experiences) and a course I am taking called STE101.

The Experiences Have Common Characteristics:

• Cause individuals to perceive themselves and the world in a new, enlarged way
• Expand their identity
• Augment their sensitivities
• Alter their values, priorities, and appreciation of the purpose of life
• Frequently serve as catalysts for dramatic, positive transformation

Types of Experiences:

• Near Death or Near Death-Like Experiences
• Out of body
• Kundalini
• Pre-birth memories
• Past Life memories
• Nearing death awareness
• After death communication
• Shared death
• Peak
• Mystical
• Psychic
• Inspired creativity/genius

Experiences Can Be Initiated By:

• Meditation
• Breathwork
• Yoga
• Religious practices and prayer
• Dance
• Drumming
• Plant medicines and psychedelics
• Sensory deprivation
• Trauma
• Illness
• Childbirth
• Grief or ecstasy
• Sexual activity
• Spontaneous, without expectation or known cause

It Can Be a Challenge

Many transpersonal experiences contain messages, guidance, premonitions, or reviews of one’s life. Some can be frightening or distressing, while others involve feelings of peace, love, compassion, and awe. Both can often lead to significant life transformation. A great majority involve difficult challenges before integration feels complete. The integration process may last for many years, if not for the duration of one’s lifetime.

Trust Your Mindful Emergence

We are always in motion, integrating every new experience in our lives. We are verbs. We are not stagnant or stuck, even if it sometimes feels that way. If we think of ourselves as nouns, as one thing always, we can get mentally trapped in an idea and remain imprisoned even though the door has always been open. Spiritual emergence is a natural and desirable enhancement of who we are and have always been. Trust your emergence by inviting mindfulness of the body and breath to support you.