Potential benefits
It can be challenging to explore unusual experiences within the clinical framework, as most of this course has done so far. It may be disheartening to learn that from this perspective there is a focus on the negative aspects of these experiences. However, there are ways that unusual experiences can impart benefits and individuals who are more likely to have these experiences can also have characteristics that convey positives. We look at some of these below.
Please note this is not trying to glamorise the impact that any given unusual experience has on a person. However, the idea of positive outcomes is also important to consider. Many individuals who have these experiences feel that they would not wish to change it, that is has been a significant part of them becoming who they are now and overall the experience was valuable. This can be seen as a form of post-traumatic growth.
Creativity
There is some research to indicate that unusual experiences and creativity may share genetic roots. It is thought that, up to a point, an individuals creativity is positively correlated with their propensity to unusual experiences e.g. individuals who study and work within the creative industry show an increased risk of some of the diagnoses related to unusual experiences. Furthermore, there is increasing interest in understanding this association because creative pursuits can be particularly valuable for making sense of and integrating unusual experiences.
'Although I don't regularly engage in any artistic pursuits, during an intense burst of profound experiences I found myself having to draw what I was dealing with so I could try to express it in a way that others could relate to. Interestingly, despite my lack of skill, I was able to easily draw what I needed to.'
Anonymous
Spirituality
There are many ways that unusual experiences may impact a person’s spirituality. It may be that the experience itself is a spiritual one that reinforces what is already known by the person. Alternatively, a person who is non-spiritual may experience an awakening of their spirituality. Or, a person who is spiritual may find that the way they explain their experiences shifts and they no longer feel spiritual. Further still, it may be that a person changes their religious faith as a result of their experience.
Although these responses, to what is in no doubt a vast sea of potential unusual experiences, are different they often lead the person to feel more secure in their beliefs about their spirituality.
Appreciation for life
Sometimes unusual experiences can have a profound impact on us at a fundamental level. This kind of experience can lead to a shift in ones perspective on life and living. Things that may have otherwise seemed mundane, expected or insignificant can become nurturing. This may feed into ones sense of gratitude for and appreciation of life which is something that is widely accepted to promote optimism, encourage pleasurable emotional states, develop stronger relationships and build resilience.
Relationships
In the midst of intense unusual experiences it can be challenging to maintain and develop relationships with others (though this isn’t always the case). The impact of these experiences on those around the person can be hard. However, supporting someone or being supported by someone can be very valuable for affirming the bond that you have and in this sense relationships can be strengthened and deepened. There is the notion that you find out who your ‘true’ friends are when you encounter hardship and for some their unusual experiences put this to the test.
'Isolating myself felt like the only way to get through some days, my friends and family would worry but they were right there waiting for me when I was ready to reconnect. Sometimes the most helpful thing for me was having a friend who, despite not being able to understand what I was going through, was there for me. We would just talk about everything and anything, besides the experience I was having, which was incredibly valuable in keeping me grounded.'
Anonymous
Sense of self
Many unusual experiences can cause people to lose touch with their sense of self which can be very discombobulating, though this is a temporary state. However, once this has passed a person begins to re-acquaint with their sense of self which can be an empowering opportunity. This process can be quite quick or may take some time to integrate. The sense of self that develops out of this can be a lot stronger and the person may gain a new found self-awareness that wasn’t present before.
Consider more:
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- Did you consider that there might be some benefits to unusual experiences, even unpleasant ones?
- Can you relate to any of the benefits presented above?
- Do you think there might be a delay between the experiences and the possible benefits being felt?