Insanity or Spiritual Growth

Thanks Anne, (this is getting redundant - Anne to Anne).  Your comment about describing a space that can be dark and dangerous is very true.  There is great vulnerability when going through these times.  And, there is often shadow elements coming into these experiences in addition to a mixure of emotional challenges, social challenges, personality inclinations, and sometimes there is a little psychopathology involved.  And, at first, when these experiences strike, it can be a loud, scary, jumbled mess.  This is where good counsel and wise guides are so invaluable.

And, I am glad you notice more compassion for yourself slipping in.  I think that is one of the most important parts for all of us because we have such strong cultural/social beliefs about "negative" emotions, difficult times, and this belief that there is something bad/wrong/taboo about you if you show signs of struggle. Churches try, psychology tries, in the disjointed attempts, it helps some in the first tier, but even then, society brands them. Wouldn't it be great if we lived in a culture that supported, guided and celebrated spiritual questioning and struggle, and going through the dark night of the soul, as though it were a rite of passage?!  Healthier awakenings with less shadow!

 Anne Tyler Lord
Storytelling from the space of Integral Consciousness
Integral Poetry, Prose

Linda, Wow! That is a fascinating book!  It takes my topics to another level, when you deal with people who have psychotic episodes that may in fact be state experiences and spiritual visions.  I haven't worked with populations that have experienced psychosis.

I have spent considerable time studying Dabrowski's Theory of Positive Disintegration, which is a grand theory (meaning it claims to explain phenomena such as personality development, human functiong, and psychopathology - like Freud & Sullivan).  It is a developmental theory that describes how people progress through developmental stages and experience a disintegration before entering the next stage - hmmm, sound familiar?  It does have it's limitations, but I have found it useful for a few things.  One guy is doing comparisons of Dabrowski's theory and Ken's Integral Theory. I think he has some problems and inaccuracies too, but he does bring up some good points in his comparisons.

Well, this theory is heavily used in the gifted world (challenges of gifted children, gifted adults, families with gifted members) because within the theory, it is propsed that people with higher potential - either in one line of development or several (intelligence, talent, creativity, leadership, intuition, spirituality, and the other lines of development) have a higher likelihood of experiencing this disintegration more often.  In other words, those on the fast track to development have more depression, anxiety and such, and they are often out of sync with the rest of the world. Dabrowski's theory is widely accepted in the "gifted" world, so I use it as a great way to communicate Integral theory - with enough similarities to be acceptable -  a great entrance into introducing Integral concepts.

There is also a description within Dabrowski's theory of something called overexcitabilities that people with high potential seem to be born with.  Overexcitabilities are what fuel the accelerated growth process. They can be an abundance of intensity, energy and drive in the areas of psychomotor, sensual, imaginational, intellectual, and emotional. Some are advocating for spiritual overexciteablity to be added - I concur.

Due to these innate characteristics - those on the fast track, who have a higher capacity for growth and development (in one area or more), tend to be viewed as "overly sensitive," "intense," "odd,""overly driven."  And, they can feel a misfit most of their lives and have numerous emotional, social and psychological challenges in addition to spiritual crises.  There are books that try to explain these challenges using Dabrowski's theory like Living With Intensity.  And, one author has taken it to another level with more writing on emotional & spiritual development of gifted children - Mellow Out, They Say, If Only I Could...  How much more Integral Theory and Integral Psychology adds to their perspectives.

I do not get too hung up on the label of "gifted," although it is often viewed as elitist, that is just where the literature is and the term used in that professional world - most in the profession don't like the label because of the cultural views.  But, I am thankful for Dabrowski's theory because of many similarities to Integral Theory.  It makes my job easier, and it I think it adds some useful info to the Integral Practice realm.  I have decided to serve the gifted population, including children, with the hopes of creating more health in the spiral, to a population that will more likely be entering second tier and entering it earlier than most on that path.  Cognitive development leading the way - it is necessary, but not sufficient.

 Anne Tyler Lord
Storytelling from the space of Integral Consciousness
Integral Poetry, Prose

Thanks, Greg, Very good point!  Spiritual energy is not limited to some mind experience!  It is all consuming.  I have recently been listening to some recordings made by Sounds True called Energy Medicine.  It has been out for awhile, but I really appreciate hearing those in the medical profession talking about the impact of energy on illness and the body.  And, I have recently read two books by Dr. Judith Orloff, who talks extensively about our energy systems being just as important to manage as our physical bodies.  And, she has been taking her message to medical schools.  There is, of course, so many others, Larry Dossey...

If only one or two of them lived near me!

 Anne Tyler Lord
Storytelling from the space of Integral Consciousness
Integral Poetry, Prose