In our first interview with Adam in 2012 he said something about his ‘psychotic break’ that surprised us. If you haven’t heard that interview, or don’t remember it, take a listen to this short clip:
Adam’s description of his psychotic break is reminiscent of the state of consciousness that mystics and long-term meditators describe after years of disciplined practice.
It’s understandable how Adam’s mother was terrified when the son she adored started speaking and acting in a way that was incomprehensible to her. We wonder how much of the terror and fear coming from the people around Adam transformed his ‘incredible’ and ‘beautiful’ feelings of ‘oneness’ into feelings of distress and fear.
We have heard various descriptions, like Adam’s, of a ‘profound feeling of connection’ from so many individuals who have experienced a severe psychological crisis that we decided to start our interviews again. Many use the word ‘Spiritual’ to describe their experiences. The word Spiritual is used in so many ways, however for now, the way we are using Spiritual is anything that helps create a compassionate Connection to ourselves, to others, and our environment.
We hope you enjoy our new series as we explore the relationship between Psychosis and Spiritual Awakening.
Next week you will meet Laura.
