Spiritual Emergence vs Emergency
By Madison Margolin
It's not an uncommon trope to hear about former atheists who tried DMT, or whatever other kind of psychedelic, and began to believe in G-d. Psychedelics may hold intrinsic potential to herald profound spiritual insight and resonance. In fact, according to the research of scientist Rick Strassman, the brain state under the influence of DMT is not altogether different from what's recorded in Biblical literature in the context of prophecy—that is, a direct communication with G-d.
In today's psychedelic vernacular, this might be referred to as spiritual emergence, and indeed, there are countless examples of this kind of occurrence in religious literature and beyond. Take for example Moses and the Burning Bush. Aside from the fact that, according to the findings of researcher Benny Shannon the bush itself might have been an acacia shrub, a native Middle Eastern species known to contain DMT, the prophetic, direct experience of G-d that Moses encountered there is an example of spiritual emergence.
Understanding the Characteristics of Spiritual Emergence
Mystics of the east might call it enlightenment; those of the Abrahamic tradition might call it prophecy; and still, seculars of the west might refer to this kind of experience as "spiritual emergence."
Psychiatrist Stanislav Grof and his wife Christina Grof first coined the term “spiritual emergence” in the late 1980s to describe “the movement of an individual to a more expanded way of being that involves enhanced emotional and psychosomatic health, greater freedom of personal choices, and a sense of deeper connection with other people, nature, and the cosmos.”
According to the Center for Spiritual Emergence, this experience is a "natural opening and awakening that many people experience as a result of coming to terms with the difficulties of life, through an established faith tradition, such as a result of spiritual practices or unexpected peak experiences, [and which may] gently allow one to experience and embrace their natural connection to the transcendent domain, forever changing their limiting self concepts into a more integrative, awakened self."
In brief, it can be described according to the following characteristics:
1. Increased awareness and connection: A heightened sense of connection to other people, nature, the cosmos, leading to enhanced empathy and understanding, as the "I" becomes decentered in place of a more universalistic, unitive sense of self and the surrounding world
2. Heightened emotional health: Through this newfound state, wounds may begin to heal, leading to improved mental health and emotional resilience.
3. Greater identification with the soul: Identifying with one's inner self, call it the soul or a sense of being that transcends the body and the ego, can lead to a clearer understanding of one's personal path in life, which could help with decision making and a quest for truth.
4. Enhanced relationships: As awareness grows, one who undergoes a spiritual emergence may experience deeper relationships, characterized by authenticity and mutual respect.
5. Evolving sense of self: Going through a spiritual emergence might lead someone to reevaluate their identity, shedding layers of social expectation and moving toward more authentic self-representation.
We see this evolution of identity in the most upfront light, through the name changes undergone by the Biblical forefathers and foremothers following their spiritual emergence, such as Avram and Sara who both gained an "H" in their names, becoming Avraham and Sarah. The name change represents spiritual awakening and divine intervention: When Avram becomes Avraham, it signifies his role as the "father of a multitude," a reflection of God's promise that he would be the progenitor of many nations. (Av means father, while hamon means multitude.) Similarly, Sara’s transformation into Sarah denotes her new status as a "princess" or "noblewoman," underscoring her importance as a matriarch in the covenant established with Avraham. This simple yet powerful letter serves as a reminder of their intertwined destinies and the deep spiritual connection that defines their legacy, highlighting the remarkable shift in identity and responsibility they embraced in their journey of faith.
Perhaps Moses' spiritual emergence is a bit more straightforwardly psychedelic: After leading the Hebrew tribe out of slavery and for much time wandering the desert in search of home and grounding (the desert already being a trope in psychedelic journeying), he comes upon a bush—hypothesized to be a psychedelic plant—and receives Divine communication. This moment of spiritual emergence, of meeting G-d, follows the framework of a right of passage or vision quest, going out into the wilderness to seek vision and guidance for one's purpose, to return to the community transformed and matured. This also illustrates that the spiritual experience is not necessarily there to negate one’s involvement in worldly affairs, but rather to offer an awakening to one’s true path.
In modern history, we see moments of spiritual emergence in the paths of those like Richard Alpert, later known as Ram Dass—psychedelic researcher at Harvard, whose countless experiences on LSD and psilocybin let him on a spiritual quest for enlightenment, which he found at the feet of his guru in India, Neem Karoli Baba. Another obvious case might be the Beatles, whose music changed drastically after the introduction of LSD.
Understanding Spiritual Emergency
When spiritual emergence becomes chaotic, confusing, overwhelming, or detached from reality, it becomes known as a “spiritual emergency” to describe this state of crisis. For those suffering from a spiritual emergency, their day-to-day functioning may be impaired or they may experience psychosis. “Occasionally, the amount of unconscious material that emerges from deep levels of the psyche can be so enormous that the person involved can have difficulty functioning in everyday reality,” the Grofs write in The Stormy Search for the Self. A spiritual emergency could involve “one’s entire being” cycling through non-ordinary states of consciousness, intense emotions, visions, sensory shifts, and unusual thoughts, which may revolve around spiritual themes like death and rebirth, oneness with the universe, and encounters with mythological beings.
Spiritual emergency may happen when one does not proceed with caution or reverence, or when one does not have the capacity to hold the psychedelic, mystical light that becomes available under the influence of a substance, or through other methodologies like meditation, studying Kabbalah, or even getting too hooked into highly spiritually charged places like Jerusalem (hence Jerusalem syndrome).
The Center for Spiritual Emergence outlines this crucial distinction between spiritual emergence and emergency clearly; emerging might be seen as a positive transformative experience, while an emergency signals a critical state of crisis.
Hallmarks of a spiritual emergency might include:
1. Psychological Distress: Intense feelings of helplessness and hopelessness may arise, indicating a struggle with mental health.
2. Disorientation and Confusion: Many individuals report feeling lost, unable to make sense of their experiences, leading to confusion about reality.
3. Intense Anxiety or Depression: Emotional dysregulation can lead to heightened anxiety or deep depressive states, making daily functioning challenging.
4. Feeling Detached from Reality: Some may experience dissociation or a sense of unreality, feeling disconnected from their surroundings and personal identity.
While spiritual emergence might be characterized by "feelings of peace and an expanded sense of compassion, whilst defined as "the process of personal awakening into a level of perceiving and functioning, which is beyond normal ego functioning, [providing an] experience of the ultimate unity of all things, a mystical experience, a merging with the Divine which transcends verbal description"—spiritual emergency, on the other hand, "can be defined as critical and experientially difficult stages of a profound psychological transformation...often [revolving] around spiritual themes,” according to the Grofs.
As TK put it, "when spiritual development is gradual and occurs in a context which can support the personal changes in worldview that it brings, there should be no crisis of transition, [but] when it is sudden, or the higher stage is experienced intermittently there can be uncertainty or crisis." Spiritual emergencies can take various forms, be it psychosis, disorientation, or delusions, such as a person thinking they are Jesus or the Messiah.
In the case of a spiritual emergency, it's essential to prioritize safety and seek appropriate support. Here are some steps you can take to navigate a spiritual emergency effectively:
Recognize the Signs: Understand the signs and symptoms, including intense psychological distress, confusion, disorientation, anxiety, depression, or feelings of losing touch with reality.
Seek Professional Help: If you or someone you know is experiencing a spiritual emergency, consider reaching out to a mental health professional who is knowledgeable about spiritual and transpersonal experiences.
Find a Supportive Community: Connect with individuals or communities who understand and have experience with spiritual emergencies. This could include spiritual teachers, mentors, support groups, or online forums where you can share your experiences and receive guidance and support from others who have been through similar challenges.
Practice Self-Care: Prioritize self-care practices to support your well-being during this challenging time. This may include getting enough rest, eating nourishing foods, engaging in gentle exercise, practicing mindfulness or meditation, spending time in nature, and engaging in activities that bring you comfort and joy.
Stay Grounded: Practice grounding techniques to help anchor yourself during moments of intense spiritual or psychological experiences. This could include deep breathing exercises, mindfulness practices, spending time in nature, or engaging in activities that bring you into the present moment.
Explore Integration: Reflect on the insights and experiences that emerge during the spiritual emergency and explore how they can be integrated into your life in a meaningful way. Integration involves making sense of your experiences, finding meaning and purpose in them, and incorporating them into your daily life in a way that supports your growth and well-being.
Consider Alternative Approaches: Explore alternative approaches to healing and growth that resonate with you, such as energy work, holistic therapies, shamanic practices, or spiritual rituals. Be discerning and choose approaches that feel safe and supportive for you.
Be Patient and Compassionate: Remember that navigating a spiritual emergency can be a complex and challenging process that takes time. Be patient with yourself and practice self-compassion as you move through this transformative experience.
Spiritual emergence can be a profound journey of self-discovery and transformation, opening pathways for individuals to connect more deeply with themselves and the world around them. Yet, this journey is not without its challenges; the tension between the beauty of emergence and the potential descent into spiritual emergencies can be significant. It's essential to honor both sides of this experience, acknowledging that life's complexities often pave the way for growth.
In navigating this intricate landscape, Kabbalah illuminates the path forward through its Four Keys of Change. First, Emunah embodies the faith that transformation is possible, reminding us that our capacity for change is inherent. Next, Ratzon speaks to the will and desire to evolve; it’s that spark that ignites our journey. Avodah highlights the importance of personal practice and diligence—it's not enough to desire change; we must commit to the work required to manifest it. Finally, Oneg invites us to savor the joy of our successes, recognizing that every step forward, no matter how small, is worthy of celebration.
By intertwining these keys into your life, you empower yourself to navigate the complexities of spiritual emergence with intention and reverence. Seek out knowledge, build community, and don’t hesitate to draw on professional guidance, for these supports can deepen your understanding and foster resilience. Embrace your spiritual path wholeheartedly, recognizing the beauty in both the emergence of your true self and the invaluable lessons that arise from navigating life's challenges.
