Three Transformative Experiences
Spiritually Transformative Experiences
Spiritually Transformative Experiences, What are they? How do they effect us? A recent study showed that more than 1 in 3 Americans have had one of these experiences. How can we use their strengths?
You can read descriptions of my experiences by following the links on the sidebar.
So what is a spiritually transformative experience? By defining them we limit them and I do not wish for that here, but I will attempt to give you an idea of what they are and how they affect people. ACISTE (American Center for the Integration of Spiritually Transformative Experiences)uses this definition:
"An experience is spiritually transformative when it causes people to perceive themselves and the world profoundly differently. They can expand the individual’s identity, multiply their sensitivities and as a result, alter their values, priorities and appreciation for the purpose of life."
There are many types and names of experiences that can be the stimulus for spiritual transformation. I heard a new term describing these while listening to Dr. Wayne Dyer in the movie “The Shift.” He calls them “Quantum Moments.”
These experiences can happen at any time, to anyone, under any circumstance. The way you know someone has experienced one of these moments is by the aftereffects. I think of experiences as seeds for dramatic changes. An experience can cause a complete turnaround in ones life, with a new world view.
One of the most common challenges experiencers face is describing and sharing their experiences. To successfully integrate the meaning of these experiences, experiencers need to be able to share them and discuss their effects in supportive settings. Experiencers struggle to express what happened to them because there is no earthly comparison or existing vocabulary for much of the experience.
That is where Sangha or community comes in, providing the environment for integrating the experience. By sharing peer to peer in a safe environment experiencers can open up and develop the vocabulary and confidence that allow them to be healthy and whole. If you or someone you know has had one of these experiences help them find a community or group.
Once an experiencer finds an accepting community they will integrate more quickly. This sometimes produces additional quantum moments and transformations.
As we become awakened, we become a witness. We come to understand that we are not our body, mind, or even our heart, it is only the house we live in. We are watchers different and connected to all that surrounds us. At the innermost core we are just Consciousness, a part of the Oneness.
When I was the Chief Engineer of the Research Vessel Aloha, I was fortunate enough to make friends with an adult humpback off the New England coast and when we looked into each others eyes there was a communication from the heart. This video reminds me of other times in the sea of Cortez during whale migrations and my friend Scar.