We all understand that we grow physically and emotionally from the moment we are born. We also understand and accept that this growth is often accompanied by physical discomfort (teething in childhood, the growth spurt of adolescence…) and usually includes emotional challenges of various kinds.

But what happens with our spiritual evolution? Do we also grow spiritually? And if so, what are the challenges it may entail?

The challenges of growing spiritually

Spiritual development is a innate capacity in every human being. It is a drive toward wholeness, toward discovering one’s true potential. Growing spiritually is as natural as being born, growing and dying, it is an integral part of our existence.

The mystical teachings of all ages contemplate the spiritual evolution. They agree that humanity is part of the creative cosmic consciousness. The discovery of our divine nature can lead, both individually and collectively, to a more fulfilling life.

Spiritual evolution usually happens progressively. Our spiritual nature is emerging and we learn to live with more awarenesswe acquire freedom of choice, connection with other people and nature.

The more we delve into ourselves, the more we discover our latent potential: positive qualities, creativity, gratitude, passion.

Every evolution can lead to a crisis

However, sometimes, this emergence of the spirit stops being progressive and can manifestabruptly and intensely

following an illness, an accident, giving birth or having an abortion, a strong emotional experience, a significant loss, or deep involvement in a meditative or religious practice.

The doors of the spirit then open and it emerges, literally, flooding our field of consciousness, in ways that can be joyful, but also disturbing and difficult to integrate. That gives rise to a emergency spirituala crisis in the transformation process.

The terms emerge and spiritual emergency They were coined by the psychiatrist Stanislav Grof and his wife Christinapioneers in the investigation of these experiences. They created the term spiritual emergency as a play on words that includes two aspects: on the one hand emergency It is a sudden crisis; on the other, emerge It refers to what arises, what manifests, in this case contents that emerge into consciousness.

Oscillation between the unconscious and the conscious

For Kabir Sahid(1440-1518), the spirit oscillates between these two poles, that of the conscious and that of the unconscious. In that swing all beings and all worlds are suspended, and their oscillation never ceases.

A spiritual crisis usually involves easy access to states of expanded or non-ordinary consciousness, in which repressed contents emergein the unconscious.

This internal expansion may involve unusual thoughts, intuitions, or the need to change your lifestyle and values. Unusual movements and energies can circulate through the body.

These episodes are usually linked to spiritual, mythological and archetypal themes; They may also include sequences of psychological rebirth and death, karmic memories, communication with spirit guides, sensations of unity with the universe and other phenomena.

In the lives of shamans, mystics, poets and wise men, episodes are described where events of this type are a relevant part of their path.

Pleasant or distressing, two sides of the same process

Those who are going through a spiritual emergency can find themselves inundated with pleasant sensations and luminous visions; thresholds are crossed into unknown dimensions. The experience can be sweet and the desire to remain in that sublime expansion full of learning arises.

In addition, The experience can be overwhelming and distressing. at times. Some internal changes make it difficult to function in everyday reality. And it takes time to take care of yourself during that process.

Differences with psychosis

A common question is How to distinguish a spiritual emergency from a psychosissince in both cases there may be intense experiences, anguish and strange or unusual manifestations.

For Stanislav Grof, a psychiatrist who is an expert on this topic, it is impossible to identify different psychics with a different approach. In both cases, the important thing is to find the best way to support those going through a crisisafter ruling out any underlying physical cause.

In some cases, there may be symptoms that are not part of an evolutionary processbut pathological, especially if there is an inability to perceive the manifestations as something internal, extreme distrust of any attempt to help, and persecutory delusions that prevent a cooperative relationship.

These and other demonstrations may require medical and pharmacological intervention that moderates or even represses the process, seeking prompt psychic stabilization or remission of the episode. An experienced professional must collaborate in the complex task of suggesting appropriate support.

Approach awakening with a transpersonal approach

In the face of a clear spiritual emergency, which is an evolutionary process, the most appropriate thing is to offer support from a focus of transpersonal psychologyallowing the emerging process to unfold as necessary.

The Grof couple created the formation Grof Transpersonal Trainingalso taught in Spain, which addresses the therapeutic aspect of expanded states of consciousness through the technique Holotropic Breathworkand addresses spiritual emergencies from a transpersonal approach.

It is common for those who are going through a spiritual emergency to make a series of visits to doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, etc., looking for some type of solution. This gives an idea of the difficulty that comes with the practical approach.

Unfortunately, there are hardly any assistance centers with a transpersonal vision. Multidisciplinary work teams are required for physical, emotional and psychological care. We still have a lot to learn in non-pathological consideration of these experiences.

How to help and accompany in a spiritual emergency

Going through a spiritual emergency often requires a support network. Given the possible confusion or vulnerability, the ideal is that therapists, family and friends can offer support and encouragement with equanimity.

It is important that close people do not attempt to direct or control the course of the process with their interventions. It is rather about accept the role of accompanying witness with a receptive and loving attitude, allowing the process of those experiencing the emergency to unfold until it ends.

Trust, patience, flexibility and an open attitude with some humor and no judgment are often very valuable. Besides, For those who accompany it, it can be a revealing episode. and exciting self-discovery.

Take care of yourself during an emergency

The duration and intensity of these episodes is variable, they require support, adequate understanding and make lifestyle changes to take care of yourself.

The transpersonal method that the Grofs created offers useful recommendations:

• Be patient and remember that it is a natural process that takes some time but is not permanent.
• As much as possible, allow the process to take its course until the end, because resisting or trying to interrupt it does not help.
• Find ways to minimize fear and stress.
• Avoid isolating yourselfgetting lost in thoughts and hasty decisions.
• Take on simple tasks and gentle exercise that help take root in reality.
• Find safe environments where express repressed feelings and physical blocks, for example with techniques such as Holotropic Breathwork.
• Promote contact with nature and creative expression through music, art or movement.
• Develop simple rituals (have an altar, use a mantra…).
• Reduce the use of stimulants and substances.
• Receive massages.
• Take care of the feeding and the rest.
• Work with dreams or write a diary.
• Turn to family, friends, and health professionals with a perspective that includes these types of experiences. Make sure that Seek support from prepared and ethical people. A sensible therapist will be needed if the preference for spiritual matters causes neglect of personal and material care.

Behind an emergency there is always a rebirth

For the writer and psychotherapist Thomas Mooreforming the soul is a journey that requires time, effort, skill, knowledge, intuition and courage. It is useful to know that all work with the soul is a process, that is, it combines alchemy (transformation), pilgrimage and adventure

In a well-resolved spiritual emergency, as the intensity of the experience subsides, waves of relief, humility, gratitude and amazement appear. Integration is an essential process and results in more rewarding life strategiesan expanded worldview, changes in the hierarchy of values, and an increase in compassion and creativity.

Roberto Assagiolipsychiatrist and pioneer of humanistic psychology, considered that harmonious inner awakening is characterized by a feeling of joy and mental enlightenment that clarifies the meaning and purpose of life, clears doubts, offers solutions to problems and provides an internal basis of security.

The person can put what they have learned at the service of individual and collective transcendence. As in a rebirth of physical and emotional healing, positive changes occur in personality. This awareness acts as a lighthouse for the path yet to be taken.

Recommended bibliography:

• Ch. and S. Grof. The stormy search for being (March Hare Ed.)
• S. Grof et al. The healing power of crises (Ed. Kairós)