Spiritual Emergence at CIIS |
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Spiritual Emergence and Other Extraordinary Experiences at CIIS |
As the new semester is upon us, I am reflecting on the amazing summer inspiration for spiritual emergence sanctuaries, respite structures, and alternatives to hospitalization that I got to explore on my trip. First, I visited with Dr. Brack Jeffreys, Ph.D. Executive Director of The Center for Spiritual Emergence in Asheville, NC. From the moment I opened the door, I felt the grounded and welcoming energy of the space. Brack's kind smile and openness made me feel so at home. He shared with me the vision and how it came to be, and the importance of attending to and holding the SE process. One of the categories of Spiritual Emergence may manifest as addiction, and there are resources for working with that as well, although it is not a prerequisite for attending the Center. I was also impressed by his description of the flexibility of time structures, so that if a client needs more than the 50-minute hour, even multiple hours or longer, the Center can offer such a uniquely-tailored program. The focus on sustainability, resourcing, and honoring the process was deeply moving and corrective for me. I was touched by his presence and kindness, and without my planning to, in such a healing environment, I found myself sharing some of my own story. He was open, generous, and happy to connect. I am so grateful to know such a Center exists. For more information, see their website: http://www.centerforspiritualemergence.com I was also able to attend the R.D. Laing conference at Esalen, where the theme was "What is Therapeutic?" Michael, Nita, and Matthew shared their proposal for Gnosis House, a Langian-inspired retreat center for people in extreme states here in the Bay Area. Chuck Knapp presented on Windhorse http://windhorsecommunityservices.com, and Nick Putman on Open Dialogue in the UK. There were other amazing offerings on everything from Zen Koan Phenomenology meditation, Shamanic Breathwork, the Ethic of Care, Empathy and Sympathy, and Science & Spirituality with Fritjof Capra. We celebrated Michael Guy Thompson's book release of the new edition of The Death of Desire, and had powerful evening processing groups every night. I presented on “Holographic Healing, Wholeness Weaving: Self-Care for the Helping Professional”. For me, the sharing, connecting, and networking outside of the structured time was just as vital as the rest of the inspiring content. What an amazing time seeing what offerings and opportunities for alternatives to hospitalization are arising all over! May this wave of systemic evolution continue to provide options for those who need another type of care, another structure of treatment, or a different environment to be held in as their spiritual emergence process unfolds.
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