I’m going to attempt a review of the new, main scientific conclusions Psychology Today‘s recent article, “Have You Had a Drug-Free “Psychedelic” Experience?” presents. (Let’s hope it fulfils my copyright responsibilities).
“Scientific research examines what it means to have a spontaneous spiritual awakening.
“Despite anecdotal evidence across cultures, mainstream psychology knows very little about spontaneous spiritual awakenings.
“They are often pathologized by the medical community due to overlap with symptoms found in mental disorders like schizophrenia.
“Spontaneous spiritual awakenings can result in a number of positive long-term outcomes.
“A recent study published in Frontiers in Psychology explores the ambiguous phenomenon of spontaneous spiritual awakenings:
“Spontaneous spiritual awakenings are subjective experiences characterized by a sudden sense of direct contact, union, or complete non-dual merging (experience of oneness) with a perceived ultimate reality, the universe, cosmic consciousness, or the divine,” explains Jessica Corneille, a psychologist at the University of Greenwich in the United Kingdom and lead author of the paper.”
“According to Corneille, despite vast amounts of anecdotal evidence across cultures, mainstream psychology currently knows very little about spontaneous spiritual awakenings.
“In fact, they are usually pathologized by default by the medical community due to their overlap with certain symptoms found in mental disorders like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
“Corneille argues that while too little is known about the ways in which spontaneous spiritual awakenings interact and interlink with mental disorders, they can occur as a standalone experience without the presence of a diagnosable disorder.
“Furthermore, large-scale anecdotal evidence suggests that spontaneous spiritual awakenings can result in a number of positive long-term outcomes:
“Significant improvements in mental and physical well-being;
Keith’s comment: Yes to “long term outcomes” but I never noticed any “mental and physical wellbeing”!
Enhanced pro-social and pro-environmental behaviors;
Keith’s comment: In my case I’m not pro-social but am pro-environmental ...
I’m glad this paper also notes I’m unlikely to have any maladaptive antisocial psychological symptoms either …
“My primary inspiration and motivation is to help destigmatize, depathologize, and raise awareness around spontaneous spiritual awakenings by engaging in rigorous scientific research,” says Corneille.
“In her paper, Corneille takes us through some of the more profound psychological and spiritual changes people report after experiencing a spontaneous spiritual awakening, such as these:
“Experiencing a deep sense of inner knowing or understanding …”
Keith’s comment: This is one of the fruits I still experience.
“This is typically accompanied by a deep sense of interconnection with everyone and everything in the universe and often leads to profound feelings of gratitude, ecstasy, bliss, and awe.”
Keith: Yes! Each one of these feelings still infuse me.
“Decreased anxiety and/or fear, especially the fear of death. Enhanced extrasensory perception (e.g., increased coincidences or synchronicities), and an evolved ability to attract what one wants into their life.”
Keith: I didn’t know that my “increased coincidences or synchronicities, and an evolved ability to attract what one wants into their life” is known and called ESP!
As for anxieties they are human, not spiritually real. They do prevail in me sometimes but fear of death does not.
I have wondered about “increased coincidences or synchronicities and an evolved ability to attract what one wants into their life.” The thought has often crossed my mind that I do lead a charmed life.
“Increased mental and physical well-being”.
Keith: No, I don’t think I’ve ever noticed this.
… “(with occasional reports of loss of chronic pain),”
Keith: Yes, definitely, I have gratefully experienced this throughout my life...
….” increased pro-sociality, a heightened sense of “mission” or a desire to be of selfless service, and pro-environmental behaviours including the desire to spend more time in nature.”
Keith: Yes to spending more time in nature (solo sailing, solo camping on horseback), but definitely no to the other findings of human interference with Reality.
“Less interest in materialism, leading to tangible transformations like changes in relationships and career paths.”
Keith: Definitely experience these. Have upset many by abandoming well over 100 established relationships since childhood, including family.
“The trait of absorption is also associated with the following:
“Higher levels of emotional sensitivity, openness, creativity, empathy, and curiosity.”
Keith: I’m not sure about higher levels, but do experience these qualities
The paper also reports use of drugs to achieve MER but warns the results are not as pure as the real thing.
Keith: Other reports are against such artificial, ordinary human mind attempts to force Reality and often induce phenomena and madness.
Mystical Experiences of Reality 