The term Spiritual Emergence has been used to refer to the awakening of the spiritual potential within an individual that initiates the unfolding and expansion of that individual’s way of being. It is a natural process of growth toward a deeper, more connected and expanded way of being, that usually occurs slowly throughout our lives and is gently integrated. When this process occurs rapidly or becomes very intense it can seem disruptive and out of context with everyday life, precipitating a personal crisis which is referred to as a Spiritual Emergency.
Spiritual Emergence can also be referred to as Kundalini awakening (KA), shamanic journey, mystical experience, awakening the Divine within, psychic opening, out-of-body experience (OBE), or near-death experience (NDE).
Spiritual Emergence may be initiated or intensified by major life transitions, trauma, terminal illness, physical or emotional distress, the use of psychoactive drugs, as well as through intensive psychotherapy or practices such as breathwork, certain types of Yoga, deep prayer and meditation.
Although emergence is a natural process, traditional Western medicine and helping professions have not generally recognized it. Spiritual Emergence has the dual nature of being potentially deeply healing as well as potentially deeply disturbing. When those experiencing disturbed manifestations of SE seek traditional health care, they may feel misunderstood or be diagnosed as emotionally disturbed and prescribed medication or other medical interventions. The healing potential of the emerging spirit is often distorted or smothered and the aim of symptom management becomes the goal of therapy.
The spiritual Emergence Service believes that it is essential that the support of SE is open, compassionate and holistic, that is, supporting the whole person – body, mind and spirit. Our aim is to support the process and the individual by providing support and information as well as access to alternative healing professionals.