The Integration of Spiritually Transformative Experiences

According to ACISTE (American Center for the Integration of Spiritually Transformative Experiences):  “An experience is spiritually transformative when it causes people to perceive themselves and the world profoundly differently: by expanding the individual’s identity, augmenting their sensitivities, and thereby altering their values, priorities and appreciation of the purpose of life.” (“What is an STE?,” 2011) 

I would just add that the word ‘transformative’ indicates change so profound, there is no chance of going back to the way things were previously understood or perceived.  It’s this aspect of the Spiritually Transformative Experience, or STE, that causes many who experience them to feel isolated, misunderstood and confused as to how to move forward in a life which had been built based on a now outmoded perspective.   

STE’s, even when invited through spiritual practices, philosophical contemplation or plant medicine, bring unexpected changes in how we view ourselves, the world and how we choose to live our lives.  Other examples include Near Death Experience (NDE) Out of Body Experience (OBE) and even something like a severe accident that leaves one seriously questioning previous perceptions of self. Inherently, unless the STE comes through a plant medicine journey (see below) it’s not a shift that someone can fully prepare for.  However, STE’s, when well-integrated, have proven to be catalysts for immensely positive change.  Research has shown that the care and education received during the initial period of integration is key to making the most of the experience and to avoiding unnecessary negative consequences.  Especially in the beginning, having a caring listener fully receive and reflect what you have to share, rather than discount it or meet it with misunderstanding can bring tremendous relief.

Re-living the experience while in an altered state, in the presence of a higher-wisdom aspect of self,
has proven very helpful in gleaning even more understanding than was previously held,
as well as revealing personalized ways for integration. 

Meeting with someone who’s traversed much of the terrain of awakening and who continues to study well-founded research on integration strategies and the unique challenges that STErs face, can be affirming, bring balance and help the experiencer to sort out the implications of what has been revealed.

Becoming a full participant in your own process of integration can mean the difference between holding a profound understanding that seems impossible to share, and actually realizing it – or making it real in the life as it’s lived – and modeling that understanding in the world.

My work is mainly focused with those who have experienced a revelation of their true nature and/or of the inherent unity in all things as well as those with an awakening of their Kundalini energy.  I can recommend mutual support networks that may be a good fit, practices that help with embodiment and am happy to provide ongoing and intermittent support as needed.

Preparation For and Integration of Plant Medicine Journeys
Using Depth Hypnosis

For those planning a plant medicine journey, whether in the context of ceremony or not, preparation and integration are key in making the most of your encounter with the plant’s gifts. Working in the altered state to this end brings a tremendous opportunity to add more depth and insight to your experience. I offer a preparation and integration package for a session before and then again after your journey.

In the preparation session, prior to your medicine journey, you are connected, within an altered state, to that part of yourself that possesses higher wisdom and superlative qualities that you would not normally be able to access in an ordinary state. This higher aspect can then guide you leading up to, during and after your encounter with the plant medicine. While in trance and with the help of your guide, you refine your intention that carries you into the journey, and you might ask for general guidance around the journey. If you have had any dreams leading up to the session, those will be reviewed in the altered state as well, as you receive the wisdom of your guide for insight.

In the second session, post journey, you are once again taken into an altered state where you join your guide in a ‘special temple space’ within your inner world and there, recount your medicine journey aloud. We have access to so much more of our past experience in this state than in ordinary reality. As it comes alive before you, it is likely you will recall with much more clarity and be able to unpack aspects of your experience that you would not have recalled otherwise. And here, you have opportunity to ask questions of your wisdom guide for even more depth of understanding and receive strategies for integration. It is recommended you record this session to replay later.