Stormy Search for the Self by Christina Grof, Stanislav Grof

Stormy Search for the Self (Classics of Personal Development)

by Christina Grof and Stanislav Grof

Many people are undergoing a profound personal transformation associated with spiritual opening. Under favorable circumstances, this process results in emotional healing, a radical shift in values, and a profound awareness of the mystical dimension of existence. For some, these changes are gradual and relatively smooth, but for others they can be so rapid and dramatic that they interfere with effective everyday functioning, creating tremendous inner turmoil. Unfortunately, many traditional health-care professionals do not recognize the positive potential of these crises; they often see them as manifestations of mental disease and repsond with stigmatizing labels, suppressive drugs, and even institutionalization.

In The Stormy Search for the Self, Christina and Stanislav Grof, the world's foremost authorities on the subject of spiritual emergence, draw on years of dramatic personal and professional experience with transformative states to explore these "spiritual emergencies," altered states so powerful they threaten to overwhelm the individual's oridinary reality. This book will provide insights, assurances, and practical suggestions for those who are experiencing or have experienced such a crisis, for their families and friends, and for mental-health professionals. It is also a valuable guide for anyone involved in personal transformation whose experiences, though generally untraumatic, may still at times be bewildering or disorienting.

Reviewed by wyvernfriend on

4 of 5 stars

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This is an interesting book. More from the point of view of assuring people who believe in alternative views of reality that they aren't necessarily insane just seeing the world in a different way. Also interesting in that Mr (actually Dr) Grof is a qualified psychologist and recognises that persons going through this kind of problem may be labeled as clinically suffering from some form of mental illness when that is not the treatment they need.

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  • 22 October, 2005: Finished reading
  • 22 October, 2005: Reviewed