Spiritual Crisis When Spiritual Emergence becomes an Emergency By Julie Lapham, Ph.D. In its simplest description, Spiritual Emergence is encountered when individuals embark upon a journey of spiritual growth or self-development. Oftentimes that journey involves prayer, meditation, or one of the many new therapies or modalities currently available for daily or weekly practice. In addition, spontaneous emergences may occur as a result of a penetrating trauma involving an unexpected loss. Most Eastern traditions, native wisdoms, religions - mystical branches as well as many of the "new" experiential therapies - are designed to open spiritual centers of energy from within our body. As these energetic centers are "opened" however, consequences may occur which can be powerful and challenging if they are not thoroughly understood. Both time and space are required for thorough integration. Our Western world is just beginning to learn that providing a place of understanding for these "openings" - considered rich experiences in ancient cultures and mystical practices - is essential. The term Spiritual Emergency may be new to readers and was only recently added to the Diagnostic Standards Manual (DSM), a recognition on the part of medical professionals that Spiritual Emergency is occurring more frequently. The term refers to the increasing number of people engaged in experiential practices who are experiencing varying levels of spiritual awakenings (emergences) - times when the process of growth and change becomes chaotic, overwhelming, and sometimes frightening. Professionals studying spiritual development view such awakenings as transformative breakthroughs that can hold tremendous potential for physical and emotional healing. A safe set and setting with both family and professional support is essential in such circumstances. As awakenings gain momentum, Spiritual Emergence may become Spiritual Emergency. Individuals may feel that their sense of identity is breaking down, that their old values no longer hold true, and that the very ground beneath their personal realities is radically shifting. Oftentimes new realms of mystical and spiritual experience enter their lives suddenly and dramatically, resulting in confusion and fear. Anxiety often appears. Difficulty coping with daily lives, jobs, and relationships may occur. Sleep may be disrupted. Emotions may erupt without provocation. Some people may even fear for their own sanity. Modern psychiatry oftentimes has difficulty distinguishing Spiritual Emergence experiences from mental illness as some of the presenting symptoms have psychotic qualities. As a result Spiritual Emergence or transformational crises are often suppressed by medication, psychiatric care, and even institutionalization. When understood and treated in a supportive manner however, Spiritual Emergence can become gateways to higher levels of functioning and to new ways of experiencing joy, inner peace, and tranquility. Acknowledgment of an intimacy existing between a universal omnipotence (often referred to as God or indigenously as the Creator) and each individual is at the heart of spiritual emergence. Ancient mystical branches of modern religions used a variety of practices to seek connection with God: meditative walking, chanting, flagellation, fasting, prayer, and pilgrimages involving prostration and humility. Indigenous peoples practice similarly using walkabouts, drumming, visions quests, sweat lodges or sundances. Many commentators in the modern Western world believe we've forgotten our spiritual heritage over the years, opting for a more technological world view. Perhaps that's why spontaneous energetic eruptions are becoming more prevalent as we begin to seek our spiritual roots. Energetic emergences are often called Kundalini awakenings or Holy Ghost/Spirit openings. Regardless of the name, the emerging symptoms are often similar, involving an exacerbation or diminishment of sensory information. Our capacity to integrate spiritual experiences into a grounded self-concept and functioning in the world is the key determinant in a healthy outcome of spiritual crises. A Spiritual Emergence is more likely to turn into a Spiritual Emergency when there's a lack of conceptual framework to support the experiences, or there's an inflexibility to integrate the experiences into life's daily routine, or the immediate circle of family and friends are unable to provide adequate support. Collaborative referral networks of traditional and non-traditional practitioners can encourage the exchange of research, anecdotal evidence, and modality foundation of the newest viewpoints thereby helping to provide a safe set and setting for those experiencing transformational crisis. Reference:
Julie Lapham, Ph.D., has devoted her life to the study of consciousness and transformational crises following a profound near-death experience more than thirty years ago. Contact her at Jlapham@juno.com or by telephone at 336-379-1000. Themis Institute provides support for those struggling with spiritual emergence for as long as is needed. Our
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