Last time we looked at the process of Self-realisation and how it differs from self-actualisation. In this post we explore the kinds of issues that can arise prior to awakening and what the crisis of awakening itself involves. The following notes are taken from Psychosynthesis by Roberto Assagioli: “In order to understand thoroughly the strange… Continue reading Crises Preceding Spiritual Awakening
Continuing our look at psychosynthesis and how it can help us to navigate a spiritual crisis or dark night of the soul. The process of awakening can be complex and confusing because there’s so much movement going on in the psyche. It can help to have a map and pointers to explain what might be… Continue reading Self-Realisation and Psychological Disturbances
This week I’m reading Mysticism: A Study of the Nature and Development of Man’s Spiritual Consciousness by Evelyn Underhill. This is the classic text on mysticism. It explores the subject in depth, and although Underhill focuses mostly on mystical Christianity, she also looks at Sufism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and others too. Part 1 explains how mysticism… Continue reading Review: Mysticism by Evelyn Underhill
This week I’m reading The Tao of Pooh, a fun little book that explores Taoism through the wisdom of the Bear of Little Brain. Benjamin Hoff uses stories from the classics Winnie the Pooh and the House at Pooh Corner to introduce the principles of Taoist philosophy, with original illustrations by E.H. Shephard plus loads… Continue reading Review: The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff
Continuing the extracts from Free Your Pen: Mind Training for Writers. In the last few posts we explored why the mind is such an unruly place and what we can do about it. Now we dig deeper into the source of mind training practice and look at some of the ideas that underpin the teachings… Continue reading Free Your Pen: Lojong for Writers
Came across this little comic by Nate Swinehart a couple of years ago and thought now would be the perfect time to share. As the man says, “Being good to each other is so important, guys.” It’s even more true now. Enjoy! Posted from Nate Swinehart’s tumblr with gratitude
“In the day-to-day trenches of adult life, there is actually no such thing as atheism. There is no such thing as not worshipping. Everybody worships. The only choice we get is what to worship. And an outstanding reason for choosing some sort of God or spiritual-type thing to worship — be it J.C. or Allah,… Continue reading Everybody Worships
Welcome to the resources page for surviving the dark night of the soul and spiritual emergency. You’ll find links to advice, articles and inspiration to help you cope when spiritual crisis threatens to overwhelm you. Bookmark this page! Spiritual Emergency Resources ACISTE – American Centre for the Integration of Spiritually Transformative Experiences for articles, support… Continue reading Resources for Surviving a Dark Night of the Soul
“You are the sky. Everything else, it’s just the weather.”
This is my favourite quote from Pema Chodron. No matter what I’m going through, remembering this simple truth can clear my mind and bring me back to my centre faster than almost anything else. Even during the worst storms, the sky is clear behind the clouds…
I recently watched a fascinating film about the life of Jungian analyst Marion Woodman, known for her work on feminine psychology and addiction. The film features interviews with Marion by the mystic Andrew Harvey, covering the mysteries of death and rebirth, and how the soul grows through surrender, as illustrated by Marion’s life and her… Continue reading Dying to Live: Dancing in the Flames
I don’t know if Kate Tempest would describe herself as a bodhisattva, but to me she’s the perfect embodiment of what that would look like in the form of a performance poet. Here she is at Glastonbury in 2015, more than holding her own (full set here): “Know the wolves that hunt you, in time,… Continue reading Hold Your Own – Kate Tempest – a bodhisattva in action
This week I’m reading When the Shoe Fits – an Osho classic which includes commentaries on the stories of the Taoist mystic Chuang Tzu. Osho gives you the original story and then takes them apart, offering his perspective and unique comments. The stories cover everything from the spiritual search for liberation, to the desire for love, acceptance,… Continue reading Review: When the Shoe Fits by Osho
Jessica Davidson 