Why Are You Here?

Navigating Spiritual Emergence & Spiritual Crisis from the Consciousness Corner

Jul 10, 2024

I am Dr Tracy, a Clinical Psychologist, Spiritual Emergence Coach®, Clinical Hypnotherapist, Jungian Life Coach, Yoga and Meditation Teacher, Shamanic Practitioner, Ayurvedic Practitioner, Energy Healer, Intuitive and Writer (in no particular order!). I have such varied trainings, as I also have a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and require high levels of stimulation and variety in life and have from day one (of this lifetime and I’m sure many others), been a knowledge seeker.

Creating the Consciousness Corner, for me, is about providing a space for exploring matters of spiritual emergence, crisis and consciousness because these experiences have profoundly shaped my own life. In my clinical work I have realised that many people walk a similar path, but often lack the support and resources to navigate them.

By sharing insights, stories, and guidance, I aim to foster a community where people can find comfort, connection, and a sense of belonging through the route of shared knowledge. The Consciousness Corner is a testament to the power of shared wisdom and the importance of embracing both the light and the shadows, of our spiritual paths, all the while staying grounded and safe in our exploration.

The content you will find here is a reflection of my passion for integrating psychology, spirituality, science and ancient wisdom in order to help others achieve holistic well-being. I often use the word ‘perceived’ less so to negate or question a person’s experiences, but to validate that theirs may not be everyone’s experience and reinforce that acceptance of differing realities and having such flexibility of thought is essential for psychological health. I come from the position that the views I express are not the only ones and encourage you to take what resonates and leave what does not. I only ask that you spend a little more time than you want to, considering what you leave behind. It is often what we push away that can teach us the most.

Creating a sense of safety and stability requires context setting and in this first article, I want to outline a few of the cornerstone concepts of our space here.

What is Spiritual Well-Being?

Spiritual emergence or awakening and crisis or emergency are profound experiences that can significantly impact our psychological and spiritual well-being. ‘Spiritual Well-being’ is a holistic aspect of health that encompasses a sense of peace, purpose, and connection to something greater than ourselves. It is a state of being where we experience a harmonious relationship with the self, others, and the universe. Here are some key elements that we associate with spiritual well-being:

1. Inner Peace: A deep sense of calm and serenity, regardless of external circumstances. It involves managing stress and finding tranquillity within.

2. Purpose and Meaning: A clear sense of direction and understanding of our life purpose. This includes having goals and feeling that life has meaning.

3. Connection: Feeling connected to others, nature, and the universe. This can involve relationships, community involvement, and a sense of belonging.

4. Transcendence: Experiences that go beyond the ordinary, often involving a connection with a higher power, the divine, or the sacred. This can include moments of awe, wonder, and profound understanding.

5. Values and Ethics: Living in accordance with deeply held values and ethical principles. This involves integrity, authenticity, and aligning actions with beliefs.

6. Hope and Optimism: Maintaining a positive outlook on life and the future, even in the face of challenges and adversity. This doesn’t mean not feeling feelings, but being able to hold those feelings, let them go and still have hope.

7. Mindfulness and Presence: Being fully present in the moment, with an awareness and acceptance of one's thoughts, feelings, and surroundings.

Spiritual well-being is unique to each of us and can be nurtured through many practices. For example, meditation, ritual, reflection, walks in nature, and intimate and meaningful conversations. It contributes significantly to overall health and quality of life, fostering resilience, compassion, and a sense of fulfilment. These different experiences of how we relate to the self, the world and others can be experienced as an altered state of consciousness (ASC).

What is an Altered State of Consciousness?

Altered States of Consciousness (ASCs) happen when a person's normal waking state of awareness is significantly changed. These changes can affect perceptions, thoughts, emotions, and sense of self. ASCs can occur naturally or be induced by various methods. Key characteristics include:

1.Perceptual Changes: Alterations in how sensory information is perceived, such as visual or auditory distortions, heightened senses, or hallucinations.

2. Changes in Thought Processes: Variations in the speed, coherence, and nature of thinking. This can include racing thoughts, profound insights, or a sense of confusion.

3. Emotional Shifts: Intense emotions, such as euphoria, deep calm, or overwhelming fear, that are not typical of the individual’s usual state.

4. Sense of Time: Time may appear to speed up, slow down, or feel altogether different.

5. Self-Awareness: Changes in the perception of self, such as feeling detached from the body (out-of-body experiences) or experiencing a sense of unity with the universe (transcendence).

6. Memory and Identity: Alterations in memory recall and a sense of identity, which can be fragmented or expanded.

Examples of ASC’s are:

Meditation and Mindfulness:Deep meditative states can alter awareness, leading to a heightened sense of presence and inner peace.
Sleep and Dreaming: Sleep, especially during REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, is a natural altered state where dreaming occurs).
Hypnosis: A trance-like state induced by suggestion, characterised by focused attention and increased suggestibility.
Psychedelic Experiences: Use of substances like LSD, Psilocybin (magic mushrooms), or Ayahuasca, which can lead to profound changes in perception and cognition.
Near-Death Experiences: Intense experiences reported by those who have come close to death, often involving out-of-body sensations, visions, and a sense of moving towards a light.
Flow State: A state of complete immersion and engagement in an activity, where time seems to disappear and performance is optimal.

ASCs can provide valuable insights, creativity, and healing but can also be disorienting or challenging, depending on the context and person.

Understanding Spiritual Emergence

Spiritual emergence, as termed by Stanislav Grof (Pioneer in Transpersonal Psychology), is a multifaceted phenomenon that delves into the depths of transformative experiences. Spiritual emergence or awakening involves moving to a higher awareness and greater authenticity, as the ego retreats. In many spiritual traditions, the ego is seen as the false self, the part of us that is attached to the material world, personal identity, and individual desires. There is a rigidity and need to be right when ego is at play. Ego is often considered an obstacle to spiritual growth and enlightenment. Psychologically it can represent the parts of ourselves that have been conditioned by others from childhood and society. For example, the way we believe we “should” be. The ego creates a sense of separation from others and the universe, leading to feelings of isolation and suffering. Overcoming or transcending the ego is a common goal in practices such as meditation, mindfulness, and self-inquiry.

For instance, in Shamanism, someone can manifest a powerful awakening, where they undergo a profound spiritual journey often involving encounters with spirits or altered states of consciousness. Similarly, a Kundalini awakening can be an intense process where a person experiences a surge of energy believed to be coiled at the base of the spine, leading to spiritual enlightenment and self-realisation. Past-life regressions can offer a glimpse into previous incarnations, providing insights into current life challenges and patterns. These may be concepts a person has never heard of, let alone believed, before experiencing them.

These experiences not only challenge societal norms but also shake the very foundation of mental health paradigms. What is framed as a mental health crisis can often be a spiritual emergency and when framed as such (if meaningful to the person) the distress lifts and functioning continues. This process is not merely about change but represents a positive shift towards personal growth, healing, and evolution towards a higher (not better but with greater flow) state of being. It offers the opportunity to shed layers of conditioning and embrace authenticity, leading to a more profound understanding of self and our interconnectedness with the universe. This is a gateway to unlocking the true essence of our being and transcending the limitations of the physical world.

Essentially it is seeing out of the corner in which life may put us. To do this, we first need to learn to feel safe enough in the corner that we inhabit. If we start to have realisations such as these, and we do not feel safe in our corner of existence then a crisis or emergency can occur.

The implications of spiritual emergence extend beyond individual transformation to societal and cultural shifts. For example, in his book The Stormy Search for the Self: A Guide to Personal Growth through Transformational Crisis, Grof (1990) highlighted how embracing spiritual emergence can challenge established norms and encourage a more holistic approach to mental health care. By acknowledging the validity of diverse spiritual experiences, communities can foster a more inclusive and compassionate environment that honours the varying dimensions of human existence.

What is a Spiritual Crisis of Emergency?

Spiritual crisis, or emergency, occurs when these experiences become overwhelming, causing distress and dysfunction. For instance, a person going through a spiritual emergence may start experiencing intense surges of energy and a deep sense of cosmic significance to their thoughts and actions, signifying a shift in their consciousness. However, if not properly supported, these experiences can escalate into a crisis, leading to existential questions and a breakdown in functioning.

It is crucial to differentiate between spiritual emergence and crisis to ensure we receive the appropriate support and understanding that we need. For instance, spiritual emergence may involve feelings of liberation and self-discovery, while a crisis could manifest as extreme emotional disturbances and a sense of losing touch with reality.

It is essential to acknowledge that conventional psychiatric approaches may not always fully grasp the depth and complexity of spiritual experiences, underscoring the importance of also exploring alternative and integrative support systems.

How to Recognise a Spiritual Crisis

Understanding the signs and symptoms of a spiritual crisis is crucial. Besides intense surges of energy and deep ontological uncertainty, people may encounter a profound sense of cosmic significance attached to their thoughts and actions. For instance, a person going through a spiritual crisis may feel a heightened connection to the universe, perceiving ordinary events as deeply meaningful and symbolic, which can be unsettling and challenging to navigate. Carl Jung (Psychiatrist) explains how synchronicities (meaningful coincidences that occur with no causal relationship, yet seem to be related) can help us gain meaning in life but if we believe every single little thing is a message for us and try to interpret this, we may become distressed if we can make no sense of what we see.

Various triggers can initiate a spiritual crisis, ranging from unresolved trauma to genetic predispositions towards altered states and even life transitions. For example, a person who has experienced significant childhood trauma may find themselves confronted with intense spiritual experiences that challenge their sense of self and reality, leading to a crisis of existential proportions. Additionally, external factors like physical isolation, disrupted sleep patterns, or substance use can exacerbate the intensity of a spiritual crisis, making it even more distressing and disorienting for the a person. Of course, if we cannot cope with our thoughts, feelings and sensations we are more at risk of seeking unhealthy coping strategies such as substances to self-medicate our distress.

During a spiritual crisis, individuals may undergo ego dissolution, where their perceived identity disintegrates, and boundaries between the self and the external world blur. This dissolution can be profoundly disorienting, as individuals grapple with a loss of familiar reference points and struggle to make sense of their place in the world. The overwhelming nature of these experiences can create a sense of chaos and confusion. A person loses touch with their own inner anchor and needs external support to run back aground. I have seen this a lot with men particularly in their mid-forties and fifties who have become extremely successful in their chosen careers, except with self-inquiry the ‘chosen’ career that has been the key aspect of their identity has not been chosen by them and ‘success’ in the way they have strived for it, is suddenly meaningless.

A crisis may be triggered by a significant life event, such as the death of a loved one or a profound spiritual experience such as a perceived spirit visitation that challenges their existing beliefs. The person may struggle to make sense of their reality, experiencing intense emotional upheaval and a deep sense of disconnection from themselves and the world around them.

Types of Spiritual Emergencies

Spiritual emergencies encompass a wide array of experiences, each unique in its manifestation and impact on an individual's spiritual journey. Episodes of unitive consciousness can be described as moments where a person feels a deep sense of interconnectedness with all living beings and the universe, fostering a profound sense of oneness and unity. Such experiences challenge conventional perceptions of self and identity, leading to a shift in how a person relates to the world around them.

Psychic openings during a spiritual emergency can involve heightened intuition, clairvoyance, or other psychic abilities that people may not have previously experienced. These openings can be both enlightening and overwhelming, requiring individuals to navigate the newfound insights and perceptions with care. Seeking support from knowledgeable practitioners or mentors can aid in understanding and integrating these psychic experiences into everyday life.

There can be perceived encounters with Unidentified Flying Objects (UFO) phenomena during a spiritual emergency. This may involve unexplained sightings, feelings of contact with extraterrestrial beings, or a deep sense of connection to cosmic forces beyond human comprehension. These encounters challenge the boundaries of conventional reality and invite people to explore the mysteries of the universe and their place within it. Through community support and open dialogue, we can process these encounters and find meaning in them. If we are fearful about discussing these kinds of things we end up living in isolation and a fragmented not whole sense of self emerges.

Why I am Here

I have 24 years of experience working therapeutically, first as a Counsellor and Clinical Hypnotherapist and then as a Clinical Psychologist. My own spiritual awakening has been a gradual process of awareness, as I was privileged enough to be supported by my grandmother in the development of psychic intuition. Sensing energy and the importance of nature and gratitude were instilled in me from the start of my time on earth. There was acceptance. There have been ‘dark night of the soul’ (challenging times of personal transformation) experiences that have contributed to some overwhelming evolutions in my consciousness but overall, at a personal level, crisis has been averted. I have also had some peak moments of lone traveling to Peru and Tanzania, that have expanded my awareness.

My life immersed me in therapeutic and medical circles, and I have felt my purpose has been to normalise what I experienced as a child, to the institutions (health and legal system) that I work within. I have now expanded my more scientifically based psychological practice to also encompass a holistic practice where I help others develop their spiritual gifts and engage in intuitive work and energy healing.

I work with the strengths and creative awareness that is seen in neurodevelopmental conditions known medically, as Autistic Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). I have recently been diagnosed with ADHD and this makes a lot of sense to me in terms of the high sensitivities and sensory awareness that this brings. My three daughters also present with what is seen in wider society as neuro-diverse ways of being. Yet, if we track these presentations back, we see that many skills that accompany them, enable survival and intense resilience. I believe, it is this heightened awareness, that can contribute to the positive evolution of our planet.

I specialise in trauma, past-life work and helping people to make sense of spiritual awakenings through mentoring and coaching practice. In my hospital work with those who are labelled with ‘psychosis’ (my father having been one), I have seen how some who connect with spiritual meaning for their voice-hearing experiences, can feel more stabilised internally and able to connect to the world around them. I have also worked with spiritual emergence following severe and enduring trauma, such as satanic and ritualistic abuse, human trafficking, and cult-based experiences. Many clients I have seen present with what is known as Dissociative Identity Disorder with some aspects of self being more connected to perceptions of other dimensions. Dimensions that have permitted a survival of the trauma they have been exposed to.

I have worked with clients with substance use addiction concerns used to self-medicate spiritual emergence that makes little sense to them. I also address issues of integration following spontaneous or psychedelic/plant medicine experiences. Having seen clients who have been seeking some ‘fast track’ answers to their spiritual integration and have traveled to commercial tourist retreats where substances are utilised without adequate professional support for what this triggers to allow effective integration of the material, they been flooded with. It is like a tsunami of realisation but then the ocean recedes once more with no trace of the purpose of its presence – there is little development or processing here. My role is to then unpack the impact of this and help the person to build a narrative of meaning of their experiences. Sometimes, this is talking therapy or coaching and other times I may use other trauma-processing modalities of treatment.

I have also seen many clients involved in road traffic accidents with either near death experiences or complete and sudden life changes due to brain injury or other physical injuries. This often not only triggers a spiritual awakening when we face our mortality of soul departure, but I feel can trigger compensatory access points in the brain to allow people to suddenly find gifts and skills that lay dormant when the rest of the cortex was functioning.

Within my spiritual practice and as a Yoga Teacher, I have worked with people who have struggled to integrate the experience of Kundalini energy moving too fast for them. Often, they have not been familiar with what this is and have been terrified about what is happening within their bodies. I work specifically to harness Kundalini energy in my yogic and tantric practices.

For many years, I have had an interest and studied multiple spiritual practices and paranormal aspects of life. The breadth of my interest and passion in these areas mapping on to that ADHD term. My hyperfocus in life is finding ways to explore the unknown and to normalise what is seen as ‘abnormal’ but to me can represent a superpower.

I like to think of my role as a co-author to a client’s reality where they maintain the final editing rights. When we have stuck trauma in our system our narratives fragment like a jigsaw puzzle and we have to piece back the image, starting from the definite corners we can see, enabling an overall story to emerge. Spiritual emergence can often be a case of the individual having no idea how to even find those corners and another set of eyes is required and is provided here in the form of the Consciousness Corner.

With my dual hats, of science and spirit, I bring together conscious and unconscious processes with a meeting of both hemispheres of brain functioning to see the person as a whole. I am also able to therapeutically treat any mental health concerns that have emerged as a consequence of confusion regarding spiritual awakening, although often find these retreat once meaning is found.

With my third and maybe most important hat as a Mother I have watch my children (three girls) grow and evolve in awareness and the name of this article links to my middle daughter who from a very young age would “interview” any house guests asking them “Why Are you Here?” A question with many layers that would evoke much laughter coming from the mouth of one so young. Laughter immediately changes out perception and as such is an Altered State of Consciousness. I still wonder how many of my guests have truly answered the question asked.

Like my own journey, you don’t have to be in crisis to benefit from some knowledge seeking or coaching around your spiritual path. If we consider, at a literal level, what is within the word ‘Crisis’ we have the phonetics of the word ‘cry’ suggesting distress but we also have the word or name ‘Isis’ a goddess deity purported to connect with fertility, new growth and creativity. For those two to meet in the middle we have the ‘I’. You are at the centre of your own experiences, not what others think or what you are told you ‘should’ be experiencing, shedding the conditioning of the world is the key to your own self-development and growth that leads you to your soul-based gifts that give you purpose. We have needed that ‘I’ or that ego to survive life thus far, so we must also remember to give gratitude to the prior iterations of self, that have shaken us to awaken.

Consciousness Corner