Spiritual Emergency and the Pandemic

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Spiritual Emergency and the Pandemic: How to Use the Time to Reboot Your Life

Spiritual Emergency can be seen as a crisis in connection. Experiencers (we) feel less connection to “all that is”, aka God, the Universe. Our dreams are chaotic and leave us disturbed on waking. We have fears we didn’t used to have and imagine bad outcomes. We may wonder, i.e. “Am I crazy?” We may push others away, i.e. “Maybe they are nuts?” We long for the connection we used to have when our meditation was deep and our spiritual community very close. What drives the crisis deeper: We may be suffering fear of loss or deep loss: death of a loved one, loss of a job or role in the community…or seeing the erosion of governmental institutions designed to keep us safe and secure. A Global Spiritual Emergency? The global pandemic has thrown many of us into this kind of loss of connection we never thought possible: cooped up home alone—or with partner and kids for months, stressed out by the irritations they present day after day, no alternative life at a workplace, none of the sweet distractions like restaurants, coffee houses, schools, concerts, religious events, and community dances that helped keep us in balance. No hugs with friends that affirmed belonging to a wider community. Masks hide others human responses at shared events contributing to less connection. The economic crisis and focus on racial prejudice and social justice erode the very foundations of connection to life as well. Is Spiritual Emergency All Bad? So, we are suffering some or maybe lots of loss of connection. But, is that all bad?

Throughout the ages individuals have paid dearly to go on retreat…to isolate themselves from society. They deliberately let go of the known for a period of time—even consider that of value. Why? To reconnect with their God. To take their spiritual practices deeper via more meditation, prayer, and scriptural study. To focus more fully on yoga, Tai Chi, or specific movements that bring more peace and harmony. To revitalize by connecting with nature and animals without distraction. To re-evaluate their direction in life and seek vision for next steps. If we value the isolation we look at it this way: Time to immerse in close relationships like family can restore and deepen bonds. A trusting relationship with a mentor or counselor can restore an acceptance with and care of oneself…just as a pastoral or spiritual counselor can help inspire one’s connection to the spiritual realms. What We Can Get in Isolation Can Be Invaluable

It all depends on our resources. What resources help most?: • Effective techniques for dealing with inner stress that can be done at home • Effective techniques for working through relationship issues with loved ones • Access to trustworthy counselors online or on the phone • Maintaining a nourishing, healthy food regimen • Maintaining adequate sleep and rest • Supportive relationships with friends and/or family • Developing unconditional compassion for self • Reaching out to others in need with compassion and care • Having an inspiring philosophy of life that can be studied at home • Sharing an inspiring philosophy of life with loved ones

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Sharing affirmative touch with those we share our home with Keeping up with physical exercise that is grounding Practices, like journaling, where we can effectively seek new vision Dance and creative expression to help find new vision for our lives Spending time with beloved pets Choosing to use the time to make positive change within oneself Art and music that is inspiring and create a peaceful environment Videos that are inspiring and positive Online study that inspires and expands one’s interests

Without activating such resources--millions will continue to suffer deeply in isolation. Suicidal thoughts, domestic violence, an increase in depression and anxiety, a sense of dissociation from one’s inner life, as well as disturbing disconnection with others. Each Person Hold the Reins We are subject now to very challenging circumstances. The global pandemic is impacting everyone. However, how we respond to these circumstances is key. We can unlock hidden positive potentials for greater peace and harmony if we choose. Or, we can lose ourselves in negative reactions to challenging circumstances. To boot (be consumed by negativity to self or other) or reboot (refresh), that is the question. Which do you choose? ------------------------------------------------- Author Bio: Emma Bragdon, PhD is the Executive Director of Integrative Mental Health for You, IMHU.org. IMHU offers 33 courses to educate about the full range of effective alternatives to psychiatric medications for restoring wellbeing. She is a pioneer and an expert in the field of Spiritual Emergency. She offers private consultations online and teaches IMHU’s most popular course, “How to Effectively Support Someone in Spiritual Emergency”. Sculpture pictured above is by PaigeBradley.com. Title: “Expansion”