This is a post is in regard to the Esquire article The
Other Side Of Paradise
A very well written and informative article. Rick Archer in his interviews often mentions that most people do this work in a progressive manner whereby what is discovered is integrated in a manageable manner. If you view the process as a ladder (even the picture shows steps) and you progress slowly those aspects that are frightening and disrupting can be managed. A seven day silent retreat as described in the article as a "jump" is sometimes too much.
Through personal experience with a Gestalt therapy group, I can report that psychosis can be brought on by therapy that is beneficial to most. When more than can be psychologically absorbed is experienced, severe psychological disruption can occur. It was a joke in our group that participation was hazardous and it was common that people lost their relationships, homes, and jobs. It was a joke because we were all committed to unravelling the suffering we harbored, despite having material security. In other words, the risk was worth it.
There is a fine line between mystical experiences and psychosis. The mystic is simply able to absorb the blows of seeing what most avoid. Those who cannot absorb the intensity, collapse. The ego simply is overwhelmed and cannot take in the view. This is why I appreciate the joke that goes: "What's the difference between a mystic and schizophrenic? The mystic knows when to keep his mouth shut."
If you want a more complete view of the process I went through, check out my interview on batgap.com.
A very well written and informative article. Rick Archer in his interviews often mentions that most people do this work in a progressive manner whereby what is discovered is integrated in a manageable manner. If you view the process as a ladder (even the picture shows steps) and you progress slowly those aspects that are frightening and disrupting can be managed. A seven day silent retreat as described in the article as a "jump" is sometimes too much.
Through personal experience with a Gestalt therapy group, I can report that psychosis can be brought on by therapy that is beneficial to most. When more than can be psychologically absorbed is experienced, severe psychological disruption can occur. It was a joke in our group that participation was hazardous and it was common that people lost their relationships, homes, and jobs. It was a joke because we were all committed to unravelling the suffering we harbored, despite having material security. In other words, the risk was worth it.
There is a fine line between mystical experiences and psychosis. The mystic is simply able to absorb the blows of seeing what most avoid. Those who cannot absorb the intensity, collapse. The ego simply is overwhelmed and cannot take in the view. This is why I appreciate the joke that goes: "What's the difference between a mystic and schizophrenic? The mystic knows when to keep his mouth shut."
If you want a more complete view of the process I went through, check out my interview on batgap.com.
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