According to Rhea White, A Mystical Exceptional Human Experience (EHE) is one that includes a "sense of unity with aspects of the world or consciousness generally not identified with, such as animals, plants, objects, other people, religious figures, the universe, or God" (White, 1997). One well known example of a mystical experience of called a "peak experience."
The term "peak experience" was created by the humanistic psychologist, Abraham Maslow. Although Maslow is most known for his evolutionary work in developing the "Hierarchy of Needs," which results in the ultimate goal of "Self Actualization," toward the end of his career he began to explore realms of awareness that reside beyond self actualization in the level of awareness known by many as transpersonal awareness. Peak experiences were said to be moments in which a person experiences a powerful shift in consciousness characterized by s sense of heightened perception and increased understanding about reality in which one feels deeply fulfilled or content emotionally. It's kind of like a really powerful and whole person "Aha moment." typically such experiences are prompted by a profound external experience such as witnessing a wonderful natural view, during intense physical exercise or some other very moving moment (Maslow, 1968).
Recall that in order to qualify this experience as an actual EHE, it must be integrated into one's life and be some kind of catalyst of change or growth. Have you ever had a peak experience? How did it change your life?
If you like, take a moment to reflect on a peak experience you have had. Perhaps you may want to journal or create some art inspired by this experience in order to reflect on the ways that you may or may not have fully integrated the lessons that were gifted to you. Maybe a reminder would be helpful.
The term "peak experience" was created by the humanistic psychologist, Abraham Maslow. Although Maslow is most known for his evolutionary work in developing the "Hierarchy of Needs," which results in the ultimate goal of "Self Actualization," toward the end of his career he began to explore realms of awareness that reside beyond self actualization in the level of awareness known by many as transpersonal awareness. Peak experiences were said to be moments in which a person experiences a powerful shift in consciousness characterized by s sense of heightened perception and increased understanding about reality in which one feels deeply fulfilled or content emotionally. It's kind of like a really powerful and whole person "Aha moment." typically such experiences are prompted by a profound external experience such as witnessing a wonderful natural view, during intense physical exercise or some other very moving moment (Maslow, 1968).
If you like, take a moment to reflect on a peak experience you have had. Perhaps you may want to journal or create some art inspired by this experience in order to reflect on the ways that you may or may not have fully integrated the lessons that were gifted to you. Maybe a reminder would be helpful.
No comments:
Post a Comment