by CAROLINE LEYTON
© on this article is owned by the author
In 1990 I had a spontaneous spiritual experience which I recognised as life enhancing and has since enriched my life in many ways. Although I previously had had other experiences which gave me a brief insight into a greater dimension of life, this time I was overwhelmed.
I was diagnosed by my GP as having had a mental breakdown and on her recommendation I saw a psychiatrist who saw me only a displaying undesirable symptoms which should be suppressed. Whilst I was prepared to take medication, I desperately needed to talk over what had happened. This need lead me to several ‘new age’ therapists who agreed my experience was significant but neither they, nor I, recognised that by opening myself up to their techniques I was becoming increasing ‘ungrounded’.
A sensitive individual can become ungrounded when exposed to a variety of strong emotions and psychic energies, which can lead to unbalancing, fragmentation and a lack of contact with the physical world. During a spiritual/psychotic experience it may be hard to carefully filter, contain and bring down to earth the powerful energies that can surge through the system.
Over the next few years, I had three psychotic episodes which resulted in me being hospitalised. Although I was able to rest physically, psychologically I felt alone as I was continually searching for external answers rather than accepting I had to own and incorporate my experiences into my being. Eventually I found an intuitive psychiatrist who won my trust and, despite my at times erratic behaviour, saw me as separate to my symptoms. He referred me to a Clinical Psychologist who helped me in coming to terms with what had happened.
I found further clarity from two qualified and experienced therapists, a homeopath and a physical therapist, who were fully aware of my previous sensitivity to energy work. All four professionals provided a holistic mix which allowed me to ground in my own personal space, thus increasing my self-understanding and self-acceptance.
I feel it is vital that the help given to those unbalanced by a spiritual/psychotic experience caters for how ungrounded an individual may be. In my experience some ‘new age’ practitioners have the potential to devastate those in such fragile states. Also, although psychiatric staff do positive work in stabilising their patients, many do not recognise how fragmented and unsafe an individual may feel within such a overpowering setting.
I believe the most important step for someone trying to understand and integrate a spiritual/psychotic experience is to ground and get in touch with their own strength and find internal peace. By developing self-awareness and grounding techniques I have learnt how to balance and exist securely on the physical plane whilst sustaining a spiritual connection to inspire and nurture me on my life’s journey. By utilising internal and external guidance, via a safe support network, I continue to incorporate and understand and benefit from the extraordinary experiences I have been offered.