Self- awareness means that which is simply aware of Self only; it transcends the constructs of individuality and separation. For the Self, there is no distinction between 'you' and 'me'; it simply exists as THAT Self-awareness. In contrast, the ego is aware of everything other than itself, creating a false sense of identity. This shift in perspective allows us to transcend the limitations imposed by the ego, fostering a deeper connection to our true nature and the world around us. Embracing this understanding is key to experiencing life in its fullest, most authentic form.

 To “be here now” literally means to perform your actions fully and compassionately, defying the self-destructive tendencies captured so poignantly by Fyodor Dostoevsky: “Your worst sin is that you have yourself devoured by your own ego.” ... "You sensed that you were on the wrong path, and on a completely new, more glorious track; at the back of your mind, beyond the reaches of conscious awareness or reasoning, something in you felt nudged."- Fyodor Dostoevsky.

With a focus I attribute to Ram Dass’ “Be Here Now,” a spiritual quest unfolded, encompassing a melange of Eastern and Western perspectives, drawing deeply from humanistic and transpersonal psychotherapy. Upon undergoing a profound spiritual awakening 30+ years ago, unexpected challenges arose that took on distinctive forms, pushing my developing spiritual worldview to and occasionally beyond its limits. Many were witness to numerous struggles in their spiritual paths, providing a unique perspective on their experiences.

Professor Robert Sharf explores how Eastern spiritual practices can lead to states similar to what psychiatry labels as psychosis in the unbridgeable gulf that yawns between madness in a clinical and mystical sense and seeks closure based on insights gained primarily from mystics like Dogen and some therapists' observations.

In my own foray into this, spiritual crisis is epitomized as peak psychological anguish experienced during intense spiritual questing for union beyond ego. Its roots are grounded in narcissistic trauma and misdirected love. When the kundalini begins to rise within those who are vulnerable and less experienced, in the realm of spiritual practice an awful mess can unfold.

A spiritual crisis can be an opportunity to cultivate psychological growth through transcendence and also, on the other part of the equation, through compassionate personal integration work.

It can occur suddenly and so unpredictably such as with an unforeseen shift during one on one inner guidance work or precipitated by the release of profound emotional material.