To: K-list
Recieved: 2000/06/30 10:12
Subject: [K-list] A couple of comments
From: Druout
On 2000/06/30 10:12, Druout posted thus to the K-list:
Dear List,
Just came upon this in a book I'm reading *The Ecstatic Journey* by Sophy
Burnham (thanks Pat!) which includes some interesting information. It quotes
a survey by Andrew M. Greeley, *The Sociology of the Paranormal: A
Reconnaissance*, Sage Research Papers in Social Sciences 1975:
"The survey found those confessing to mystical encounters were
psychologically strong, confident, and optimistic. Nothing indicated that
they were either socially deprived or psychologically disturbed. They were
creative, dynamic, happy, balanced individuals. Indeed, Greeley administered
one brief test of psychological well-being, developed by Professor Norman
Bradburn, and found the highest possible correlation between spiritual
ecstasies and psychological well-being.
"Some seventy years earlier William James had reported a similar finding.
The more authentic the experience in classic mystical terms, the more likely
the person is, said James, to show a 'positive affect balance.'
"Greeley and McCready's survey found that the responding mystics tended to
have had warm and happy childhoods in "a supportive and religiously joyous
family atmosphere."
It's interesting that Sophy Burnaham's "Trigger" to mystical awareness seems
to be a combination of prayer "Let me know God" and falling in love. I
suspect a combination of factors and not one potential trigger alone is often
responsible for awakening.
Love, Hillary
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