Like those who've been previously diagnosed with a mental illness, people in recovery can be stigmatized by
their previous habits. Visions of angels may be dismissed as parades of pink elephants.
In religious, new age or 12 step groups there's often a distrust of newcomers who claim experiences and sudden
breakthroughs that usually take years to obtain. We may want to examine our approach to fellowships and ask, "What aspects
of my awakening would benefit these communities and what aspects would cause alienation or disruption?"
- Drug Therapy -
Insomnia, anxiety, muscle spasms, paranoia, delusions... these are a common after effects of an intense awakening.
In almost all cases they are no more than temporary adjustment phases and will pass in anywhere from a few days to six months
at the very most. It's extremely rare that a person in spiritual emergency would pose a threat to themselves or others (discovering
a deep reverence for life in its natural state is often part of the process).
In light of the above, the question should be asked, to what end does prescribing a psychotropic or sedative
accomplish? Would it compromise a hard won sobriety?
Each case is different and the controversies in this matter reflect the need for more studies and dialogue
between the psychiatric, spiritual and recovery communities.
- Paradigm Shift -
Without exception, spontaneous emergence accelerates ideologic changes that would normally develop over several
years. For example, what once may have been merely a curious angle in discussions regarding the nature of truth and reality
may suddenly become a persons' world view. The new round peg no longer fits in the old square hole and often there's a breaking
away from an organized religion, cult or "truth system." Eventually one gains both a deeper experience with, and an objective
understanding of, human institutions. Ultimately, the overall approach to them is forever changed.
A second example: In bridging the seemingly impossible gap between western liner thought and the eastern integral
mind set, a resolved yet un-compromised diametric outlook emerges. Here a recovered person may contemplate, "I'm now in good
physical health with normal neurological brain functioning. I know I can't drink or use again without the same deadly results.
I also know that as I stand, existing only in the here and now, I am a child of divinity, inherently capable and inherently,
naturally drug free like all other living things."
At this point, the "incurable disease of addiction" and other "baggage" become illusions. They only exists
as ideas in the mind. When the mind is liberated, there's no willing host for these apparent ailments to hang on to and they,
like fear, simply vanish.
The above is useless as a concept alone. It must become a living reality; a change at the core of one's soul.
Whether
through the 12 steps, spiritual practices, religion or self devotion, a whole hearted effort of getting from
there to here is unavoidable. As always, certain steps must be taken.
- The Icarus Temptation -
It's highly unlikely that a person who has emerged through recovery would have an addiction relapse (true
spontaneous awakening causes positive, dramatic changes that are life long) however, there's a possibility of a different
kind of relapse. Having had a taste of the mind's natural potential, there can be a temptation to fly too high too soon. Normally
harmless practices such as tantra, pranayama breathing and sensory depravation can reopen doors to aspects of a spiritual
emergency that may not be resolved yet. This is usually a good thing, but with lack of experience and occurring outside of
a supportive environment, it can be dangerous.
Interesting ethical questions arise here. If one could alter their moods and perceptions without the use of
chemicals, would these modified states of being still fit the criteria for sobriety in the recovery community? Can human beings
be trusted with their own gifts? If given wings, what would be the nature of our flight?
- "Tall Poppy Syndrome" -
When any individual takes an unconventional leap forward, they are often greeted with skepticism. In later
recovery an emergent person is not likely to need a "program" per se, to maintain happiness and sobriety. This does not mean
that they are any better. It could simply mean that the steps did what they promised; freedom from dependency. Still, those
who break from the pack are called "terminally different" or "not with the program" irrespective to the fact that it was the
steps of those very programs that gave them independence.
The question should be asked, at what point, for which individuals and for what reasons do 12 step peer groups
cease to be beneficial? What alternatives can be offered or developed?
