The EHE Process:  

The Objective Standpoint

by  Suzanne V. Brown, PhD

[was Director of Research & Development for the EHE Network]

          It is difficult to differentiate the objective from the subjective when discussing  Exceptional Human Experiences (EHEs) and the overall EHE Process.  By definition, an EHE is the successful result of melding an individual's combined experience of both outer and inner worlds.  Within the Experiential Paradigm (EP), artificial divisions such as observer-participant, researcher-subject, therapist-patient are no longer relevant.  Instead, we look at total experience.  We have learned that expectations, human factors, culture, setting, personal interactions have as much to do (if not more) with an overall response to a provocative event (i.e. Exceptional Experience / EE) as do the contributing factors or independent variables of the observed event itself.

          Yet, throughout individuals' development along the EHE Process, we have noted a series of predictable, "tell-tale" actions, reactions, behaviors, and segments from introspective self-reports that highlight and define each of our five (5) stages.  These "outer observable" milestones are valuable to share.  They can greatly reassure colleagues, family, friends, and EEers / EHEers themselves that they are undergoing a healthy, albeit sometimes lengthy and difficult, transformative process.  By noting the milestones for each of the stages, people may become more aware of the overall value of these experiences, and experiencers, loved ones, and counselors will be better equipped to work with the experiencer to understand and support this growth process.

 

1.   Initiatory Experience/Event

Primary Search:  Meaning of EE

          The EE is of sufficient strength or notability to rock the very foundation of the EEer.  It crosses some personal threshold of "normal" events, disrupts the status quo and promotes cognitive dissonance between the daily and the extraordinary.  typical reactions:  fear of losing mind, fear of being possessed; overwhelming awe / wonder; telling everyone who will listen, rapid speech, hyperactivity, excitability; telling no one; irritable, anxious, jumpy; mistrustful; abrupt change in affect, activities, interests, diet, sleep patterns and dream content; search for meaning of the EE along authoritative, culturally accepted routes and information sources.  May return to childhood religion, visit allopathic doctors, traditional counselors, or anonymously call / consult help lines, university scientists, parapsychologists, or study authoritative texts. 

 

2.   The Search for Reconciliation

Primary Search:  Meaning of EE in New Context

          Authoritative explanations are insufficient to answer State 1 questions or resolve cognitive dissonance.  The EEer decides (a potentiating choice point to move forward in the process) to begin search for answers outside of the common or traditional resources, and to expand circle of "other" knowledge and information.  State 2 is highlighted by searching and discovering new ways of coping, experimentation, and exploration in further efforts to reconcile the EE with everyday experience.  

          To the observer, the EEer may seem totally consumed by the search to reconcile his or her EE.  Most commonly noted are:  seeking advice and information from nontraditional sources; adopting new introspective practices (e.g., beginning a dream journal, time-outs for meditation, prayer, listening to inspirational music); and even dramatic changes in lifestyle (e.g., switch diet, sleeping patterns, "convert" to a new alternative religion or become staunchly atheist, follow a "guru / master," voraciously read New Age / alternative texts, enroll in seminars; take up yoga, ceremonial practices).  Depending on the perceived intensity, uniqueness, and / or number of the experience(s), the EEer may exhibit psychological inflation, feelings of "specialness," and discover deeper meaning in the various religious / ideological texts, wise sayings, and clichés.  In the extreme, it is at this stage where the EEer is most likely to "drop out" from the mainstream, blatantly try to convert others, gather a "following," declare him or herself a "chosen one."

 

3.   Between Two Worlds

Primary Search:  Meaning of Self

          This can be a relatively sterile, dormant, and even conflicting state for the EEer / EHEer.  On one hand, s/he has questioned the authorities and the status quo, and found them lacking.  Further discoveries in Stage 2 have revealed  whole new way of sensing self, others, and the world.  The experiencer is aware of two "worlds" of living and being:  the old (before) and new (after) often marked in time by the originating EE.  On the other hand, the intense, hyperactive search activity and declarations often noted in Stage 23 may swing wildly and then spiral down into general malaise, disillusionment, depression and their symptomatology.  when additional EEs are not forthcoming or summoned on demand, the EEer begins to question the "validity" of originating EE(s), dismiss it, question the "validity" of originating EE(s), dismiss it, confabulate new ones, or lash out in anger at others and him or herself.  This is the "dry period" (which may last for years or even a lifetime).  EEers may undergo a major identity crisis:  questioning self, gullibility / worldviews of others; and the Universe confronting the shadow.  No longer able to revert to the old world and still not sure what the new one has in store, experiencers often report that they are "outsiders," "lost," "walking a fine line."  choices in career, lifestyle, partners may change as the experiencer seem[s] to waffle between them.  Any additional EEs are grabbed onto like life-preservers.

 

4.   In the Experiential Paradigm

Primary Search:  Meaning of Higher Self

          At this stage EEs become EHEs, and the experiencer integrates the new world with the old into a larger lifeview perspective.  Rather than the "either / or" of stage 3, this stage is the "both / and" of double vision.  Vocabulary, social interactions, and output / contributions are fluid, tapping into whatever inner and outer resource(s) are needed.  Affect, mood, overall health, diet, sleep patterns, and lifestyle choices are generally positive and balanced.  Setbacks, surprises, changes in outer events are taken in stride, often with a philosophical attitude.  EHEers often report more experiencers, insights, synchronicities, heightened creativity, joy in the simple things of life and calm clarity.  Volunteer activities (e.g., human welfare, health, environmental issues), a focused shift in vocational / avocational directions, returning to school, apprenticing / mentoring are common.

 

5.   A New Way of Being in the World

Primary Search:  Meaning of All-Self

          With reflection and hindsight, EEers often report that the originating EE and the subsequent "journey" often seems somehow "fated."  EHEers feel guided (not controlled) to fulfill their calling / destiny, and thus contribute, in their own unique ways, their talents and life experience.  They recognize others on their paths and perceive that it is "the process" that unites them and it is the uniqueness that rings them together.  Peaceful assurance of knowing that all are combining their personal best and uniqueness to the larger tapestry of service, healing, purpose.  Overall health is glowing, mood, affect generally positive with a zest for life.  Healthy balance in work, play, social interactions, withdrawal periods to regenerate / reflect.  Work is now Life's work, with a high sense of autonomy and connection.  Production / output in its many forms is moderate to high.  Nature in her many forms is respected and revered.  EHEers feel no need to justify themselves nor their activities, they just do, and trust that they can make a positive difference to humanity and the Universe.

 

Highlights to Keep in Mind About the EHE Process

1.	The EHE process is a series of subjective and objective milestones of human potential for growth, development, and personal and humankind evolution.
2.	It is a reiterative Process:  EHEers may return to any one or all stages.  Subsequent iterations are often generative by another EE.  Each iteration advances the EHEer forward and earlier stages are more quickly assimilated.
3.	The challenge is to bring the focus of attention away from the evidence / proof of the EE, to begin self-questioning and questioning the ruling worldview.  Graduated personal, to transpersonal, to transcendental levels of awareness are noted in this Process.
4.	The EEer / EHEer, counselors, colleagues, family, and friends will be most concerned with behaviors, actions, and life-style, activity, and emotional changes of the first three stages.
5.	The archetypal "journey" of the stages in the EHE process are often portrayed in mythology, folklore, fairytales, parables, divination systems, literary works, and art.  All these may assist EHEers in moving heir own process forward.