As psychedelics continue to grow in popularity, so too, does society’s understanding of them.
Whether it’s using these alternative drugs for mental health issues or other chronic problems, there’s still lots to learn.
The psychologist Stanislav Grof — and his wife Christina — coined the term “spiritual emergence”
Referring to a state when an individual experiences a breakdown of meaning, which leads to personal growth and enhanced psycho-spiritual health.
The two also came up with the term “spiritual emergency”. This refers to a crisis state in which the process of growth brought on by the spiritual emergence becomes overwhelming and unmanageable.
The causes of spiritual experiences can include psychedelics, meditation, yoga, existential crises, near-death experiences, religious ecstasy, and major life events (e.g. the death of a loved one).
What Is A Spiritual Emergency?
“The movement of an individual to a more expanded way of being that involves enhanced emotional and psychosomatic health, greater freedom of personal choices." - The Grofs
The signs of a spiritual emergency include the following.
- The feeling of things falling apart - Everyday tasks feel unmanageable - A lack of motivation - Feelings of anxiety, fear, and desperation
The Connection Between Psychedelics and Spiritual Emergencies
Psychedelics are powerful substances. With the right dose, set, and setting, they can facilitate intense, spiritual experiences.
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