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Wednesday, October 15, 2008 Chrispy asks

Q: Can Mania (EXTREME Mania) Be Considered A Spiritual Emergency?

I've been learning a LOT about this "spiritual emergency" on YouTube and I was wondering what other's thought about it. It's about mania being a positive thing and letting yourself go through mania to heal. It's about coming out a better person. IDK, I'm really into it. I think people see mania as such a negative thing, like "She's going crazy, she's insane, she needs meds." But I don't think of it as a bad thing anymore. I'm manic right now and I'm trying to see this as a "spiritual emergency" rather than trying to fight it and it seems to be working. It's about surrending to the mania, being on a certain level of conciousness, and growing from the experience... Look it up on YouTube if you want to see what I'm talking about exactly.

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9/25/10 4:20pm

Hey, Chrispy. This is an excellent question. I'm going to try to give you a nuanced answer. here. First, the negative response:

 

First, if it's mania - no, it's not anything connected to spiritual. You're not in control of your brain, and bad things tend to happen when that occurs. So, obviously, getting back in control is a priority. Plus, if you're not in control of your brain, you are not going to benefit in any positive way from the experience. There is no "I" in the control room to dispassionately observe what is going on and learn and use this as a healing opportunity.

 

Second, it's tempting to use mania as a justification for irresponsible behavior, whether you think it has to do with something spiritual or not.

 

Third, there is a such thing as ecstatic experiences as part of the spiritual path, but this is not the goal. Spiritual teachers across all disciplines, rather, teach about being in control of your thoughts and feelings as the way to further spiritual advancement, not about mindlessly giving into your emotions. Check out the Buddha's Eightfold Path - "right thought (or concentration)." A good spiritual teacher will instruct you not to become attached to your ecstatic moments, lest you become stunted in your spiritual development.

 

Fourth, I'm not sure which YouTube video you are referring to, but I did view one last year - possibly the same one - that was extremely misleading. Yes, the highly evolved can be mistaken for mad. But this does not mean the mad are highly evolved.

 

Fifth, a spiritual emergency is more closely associated with depression, as in "the long dark night of the soul." Depression can encourage us to think deep, but too often depression is a temporary loss of the soul.

 

Now, to be more positive:

 

One, many people - including psychiatrists - confuse quite normal behavior for mania. Or they automatically assume that light mania (hypomania) is dangerous and unnatural. Yes, hypomania can be both dangerous and frightening, especially if it's the beginning of a cycle up to mania or the sign of impending depression. But many people with bipolar have learned to maintain a sense of control over their light manias. They can be highly creative, sociable, productive, and spiritual without losing a sense of who they are and the world about them, who are at peace with themselves and can function in the real world.

 

Two, it is okay to be different and to "take the road less traveled." You will emerge as a better - and much happier - person, as a result. To me, "normal" is not a good state to be in. All of us were born to experience the world far deeper and wider.

 

Three, it is okay to incorporate depression and mania as part of your spiritual growth. But there is a catch - you need to be in control, able to function in the real world. And here's the paradox: if you're in control, it cannot truly be called depression or mania anymore.

 

Four, so the trick is to discipline your mind to stay in control as you experience these highs and lows. Then you can go to places that so-called normal people can't go. You can safely experience higher highs and lower lows, and even if you cannot control when these highs and lows occur, you can ride them out with a clear mind, with you in charge.

 

Five, learning to discipline your mind is a lifelong quest. A good start would be learning as much as you can about mindfulness. There are a number of good books out there.

 

Six, if you evolve as a human and spiritual being, some people may think you're crazy but a good many will want what you have. You can't please all the people all the time, but if you find yourself being sought out for your wisdom and insight and compassion rather that having fingers pointed at you then you have a good indication you are on the right path.

 

To tie this all up in a bow: Mania and depression with no firm control is an illness episode. If you are in control - and can function in the real world - these very same highs and lows may no longer be mania or depression. You can learn - and heal - from these experiences. Mindlessly giving into depression and mania makes no sense. Yes, "going with the flow" may be good, but you need to be in control. Being in control is a rigorous discipline.  Finally, your experiences as bipolar can give you an excellent start on the spiritual path. You are already feeling and thinking deeper and wider than the people around you. The trick, now, is to do it with a sense of control. Your gifts are many, your potential is limitless - don't squander it by mindlessly ceding dominion over your thoughts and feelings.

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10/15/08 4:00pm

Yes, it can be a "spiritual emergency meaning it really test your faith.  You must remain positive and be in contact with the Lord as you Healer.  Bipolar can really affect the spiritual side and if you loose your faith you can become very negative and you can loose your life.  I experience this in my own personal life and I am sure there are many others who does...

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10/16/08 11:43am

somebody in an extreme manic state may believe this is spiritual energy, they may even believe they are god, it is mania, true healing comes in the form of not going through the ups of mania and the downs of depression. the goal of all bipolar people should be some stable ground. spiritual energy, i had a friend that was so manic he tought he could fly, guess what he couldnt, he broke both legs. reality, mania is not spiritual. it is part of the illness.

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9/25/10 3:15am

When I'm Manic I feel that I have a greater understanding of spiritual things. I feel that Mania can cause a different level of concienceness. Focus on the beauty of creation and focus on the beauty of the creator. One day we will learn to create as HE does.

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