Transpersonal Experiences Paper

Transpersonal Experiences

Ever since reading of and hearing about peak experiences, I have wanted to have one. I am fairly sure that I have never had a truly transcendent experience and have wondered what is wrong with me. Of course, my intellect suggests that a great many people do not reach such heights or have experiences that take them into altered states of consciousness; however, intellectual reasoning aside—I have felt the lack of transcendent, mind-expanding events. I have had the misconception, given my studies that such experiences should be more accessible to me because of the educational material I work with.

Reading the chapter on Maslow was most helpful to me in achieving a sense of balance. I also realized that my ego was much a part of the desire to have transcendent experiences—just to be able to say I have had them does not constitute a healthy reason for desiring them. So, I have had to re-evaluate my motivations for such heady events.

Reading the section on plateau experiences and transcending self-actualization resonated strongly; I realized that plateau experience more accurately reflects where I am at present and that I do not need to have had peak experiences to achieve such a fairly constant state of awareness of the sacredness of the ordinary experience. Maslow defined plateau experience as a “fundamental change in attitude, a change that affects one’s entire point of view and creates a new appreciation and intensified awareness of the world” ( p.352).

Oftentimes, there is a catastrophic and/or catalyzing event that precipitates one into such a state, but I think that study and work with a daily practice can also help achieve such a state—many spiritual traditions suggest it while calling it something else. Perhaps that is what is happening with me—I am working daily on such a plateau. I cannot say with any assurance that I maintain such a changed attitude all of the time but more consistently than in the past.