Spiritual Emergence (SE) is the natural emerging of the spiritual dimension within us during our lifetime. This emergence is characterized by a “non ordinary state of being”. SE often occurs through experiences that challenge us in some way. It is a process of personal growth and it affects all of us. It is an integral part of human development.

Spiritual Emergence is part of a spiritual understanding of human life.

Spiritual Emergence can be seen as a challenging journey of discovery of our divine nature. It is like a calling from our divine core. It’s as if the light of this divine core wants to shine through. The process of this spiritual light breaking through and emerging through our humanness however, can be quite challenging to say the least. It requires a letting go of ego.............. an ego with many fears. This can be very disrupting.

At the heart of Spiritual Emergence is this letting go of ego in a deep way and opening to, connecting with, and trusting spiritual guidance................ a surrendering to a higher power.

SE is an innate healing process of the whole being, healing meaning growth toward wholeness in a spiritual sense. It is a way and sometimes an extreme way, of the human organism healing itself at the  deepest level. In essence, it is a healing crisis of the whole being. It is a healing where there is darkness, darkness that leads to light.

A brief example of Spiritual Emergence is the experience of losing a life partner, feeling totally disoriented (an altered state of being), with a profound emptiness and an indescribable sense of longing; and yet through this darkness, being able to see things on a grander scale than before, hearing a deeper call, feeling a letting go of ego direction, and feeling more connected spiritually.

Spiritual Emergence can involve a vast array of experiences which can range from relatively mild to unbelievably intense. It occurs on a continuum.

The most intense form on the high end of the scale is the extreme crisis form which has been termed ‘Spiritual Emergency’ by Stan and Christina Grof, distinguished writers on Spiritual Emergence. This occurs when growth and change are so much that it becomes chaotic and overwhelming, the inner state becoming so demanding - that it makes it very difficult for one to function ‘normally’ in the everyday world. It is a major disruption of ego. This is a desperate situation often with unusual physical, emotional and psychological ‘symptoms’. It is an intense, bewildering, dark journey that seems to push us to the very  edge and yet through this, can lead to amazing awakening. Many forms of Spiritual Emergency have been outlined by the Grofs including Kundalini Awakening, Near death Experiences, Shamanic Crisis, and Emergence of “past life memories”

Spiritual Emergence occurs in many forms; each of us experience it differently. The process of Spiritual Emergence can be challenging to the point that in Spiritual Emergency that suicide is a real risk. However, ultimately with support that is open and compassionate and allowing the process to complete itself, there is great potential for an incredible positive shift where there is a spiritual awakening. It can be looked upon as a tremendous opportunity.

Spiritual Emergence has a dual nature. It carries with it this splendid opportunity and at the same time a real danger if it is not supported with care particularly in its more extreme forms.

Current understanding of SE is drawn from Transpersonal Psychology and the knowledge from the spiritual traditions which have investigated the stages and characteristics of spiritual growth. Spiritual  Emergence is not a new phenomenon. It has been recognized historically in different cultures as Kundalini Awakening, Shamanic Journey of Death and Rebirth, Ego death / Dark night of the Soul, Crisis of Psychic  Opening and Episode of Unitive Consciousness, to name a few. It appears that it is occurring with
increasing prevalence.

Spiritual Emergence has often been seen in a symptomatic way as a ‘disease’ in western medicine eyes and treated as such, that is to stop it or attenuate it. Because of the psychological aspect, it is often seen as a psychiatric disease. In fact it is a hugely beneficial growth process that because of its nature is also often very challenging. It is a process to be honoured for what it is and supported through holistic care where individuals are allowed to complete the journey and in doing so, evolve spiritually helping our world as a whole evolve.