Spiritual emergence

The individual's consciousness is suddenly transformed to a new or higher mode when he or she may become aware of psychic phenomena, see visions, become telepathic. This sudden change may be so dramatic as to cause considerable upset, which is why the phenomenon is sometimes referred to as an "emergency". The effect may last only minutes but may continue for up to several weeks and it is sometimes impossible to carry on a normal life. What is in fact a spiritual experience may sometimes thus be mistaken for the onset of a mental breakdown, whereas in fact it is said to be a totally normal occurrence frequently reported, arising in particular at times of physical stress such as childbirth or near-death, or in conjunction with emotional crisis, or during spiritual practices such as meditation. It is also said to arise more frequently during life's transitional stages. Such emergences may occur naturally or intentionally.

Six experiences reportedly may arise during spiritual emergence, in no specific order. They have been described (Stanislav and Christina Grof) as follows: interaction with the collective unconscious or archetypal realm, what may be referred to as opening to the life myth (an experience usually lasting 40 days); awakening of kundalini; remembrance of past lives or some other karmic emergence; a shamanic-type journey; opening psychically so as to manifest clairvoyance or some other extrasensory phenomenon; being possessed by another entity, possibly predatory.

It is emphasized that such experiences should be neither ignored not suppressed but integrated into individual development, when they may, over the years, enhance spiritual growth and creativity, inner peace, and compassion and service to others. Failure to do so may lead to deteriorating mental health.