Have you ever had an experience that felt extraordinary or exceptional in some way? Did it leave you with a profound sense of connection, awe, inspiration, elation, energy, realisation, or meaning? Occasionally, such experiences are natural expressions of our inner nature, or what Stanislav Grof called spiritual emergence.

Spirituality can also be defined as “spirit is one of the major differentiable and experienceable aspects of an overall continuum of consciousness and reality, together with, but of greater subtlety than, the physical and psychic.” (Main, 2007. p.27).

Spiritual emergence therefore involves a profound shift in consciousness, from our normal waking and physical experience of the universe, to an expansion of awareness and identity, which is often a core aspect of these experiences. The experience of a spiritual dimension of our life can bring about psychological transformation, and be a powerful experience that can change the course of ones life.

Spiritual crises or emergency is an extreme experience of spiritual emergence. Spiritual crises often involve a complete transcending of ones normal waking consciousness. This can occur in a very short amount of time, or be drawn out over a number of years.
Spiritual crises and emergence have been described throughout human history. Spiritual crises, when unsupported, can be destabilising. It can lead to a an annihilation of previous worldviews and a drastic change in priorities in ones life. Additionally, you may feel like the way you have been living your life has been false, there may be emerging existential questions, depression, and/or psychological overwhelm. Such experiences are normal during a spiritual emergency, but getting support for integrating and completing such experiences is very important.