Emanuel Swedenborg lived about three centuries ago. In the first half of his life, he was all about science and engineering, focusing on public and worldly matters. But the second half? That was all about his going within his inner world and writing down those experiences.
Stepping into the Spiritual World
Swedenborg started his inner journey with vivid dreams and self-reflection. Things got more intense during altered states of consciousness, where he experienced body shakes and began sensing spirits. He described spirits as people who continue to exist in their non-physical spirit bodies after death, reflecting their true characters.
Eventually, Swedenborg claimed he could see and hear spirits even when fully awake. This ability, he said, persisted daily for the rest of his life.
Most people today are pretty skeptical about spirits and the idea of an afterlife. However, those who dive deep into Swedenborg’s detailed accounts often find them fascinating and compelling.
Going within by Seeking Inner Visions
Some folks today try to emulate traditional shamans, entering trances using rhythmic music, sensory deprivation, or drugs to access different realities. But it’s not all smooth sailing—there are stories of night terrors, alarming visions, and bizarre happenings. One person noted, “Interacting with spirits can open a door that’s hard to close.”
Swedenborg himself cautioned about the dangers of talking with spirits. He believed some spirits harbor a deadly hatred for humans and crave their destruction.
Orthodox Swedenborgians’ Approach
As a result of his warning, many orthodox Swedenborgians avoid his method of exploring the inner life, seeing going within one’s mind as risky and potentially inviting malevolent forces. They believe Swedenborg’s journey was unique, intended solely for him to reveal the New Jerusalem.
However, nowadays, people seek new, personal experiences rather than just intellectual pursuits. This search for deeper meaning often leads them to explore various traditions like psychology, meditation, mysticism, spiritualism, and more.
Engaging in Self-Reflection
Self-reflection might seem a world away from seeking spirits in trances, but it’s still a form of going within. Swedenborgian psychologist Wilson Van Dusen describes it as a relaxed, open-minded mulling over thoughts, allowing random ideas to come and go without forming conclusions.
Self-reflection aims to learn something new, unlike rumination, which involves repeatedly thinking about something with negative emotions.
Swedenborg wrote that reflective thought brings insights from angelic spirits, making sense of external matters without relying on words.
Receiving Talking Therapy
Therapists encourage inner awareness to gain insights into our hidden fears, hopes, and assumptions. From a Swedenborgian perspective, honest self-appraisal is crucial for spiritual growth, but it must be coupled with personal responsibility and intentional change.
While talking therapy can be very beneficial, it’s not always the right time for everyone to delve into their inner selves. Some people need more therapeutic time and support than resources allow. They need this in order to handle the negative effects that insights in therapy can sometimes bring.
Meditating
Different meditation schools agree that our mind’s natural state is undisciplined and noisy. Meditation trains the mind either through self-observation or focused concentration to quieten this noise.
Mindfulness teaches that assuming our thoughts originate within us leads to emotional entanglement. Spiritual teacher Eckhart Tolle discusses this as the illusion of a false self.
In line with this, Swedenborg believed calm reflection facilitates higher, time-transcending thoughts, helping us disown our mind’s contents.
Research shows deep meditation can foster positive feelings and non-reactivity. However, it can also trigger disorientation or paranormal experiences, making it unsuitable for those with poor mental health.
Attending to Inner Voices
Historically, people like Joan of Arc and the biblical Samuel reported hearing inner voices with profound messages.
Research shows communications from beyond the grave often provide warnings or reassurance, suggesting these experiences can have practical benefits.
Joe Simpson, stranded in the Andes, experienced two distinct inner voices: one commanding and rational, the other dreamy and disjointed. His story suggests that in extreme situations, inner voices can guide survival.
Usually, waking consciousness blocks out these inner voices, but they can become vivid when needed.
Practicing Mediumship
Mediums claim to communicate with spirits. While fraud exists, some mediums, like Gordan Smith, provide compelling, verified details.
Mediums enter varying depths of trance, from light to full trance, where their awareness and memory of events differ.
There are concerns about mediums being misled by bad spirits. However, mediums like Smith aim to bring comfort, suggesting that with the right intentions, mediumship can attract positive spirits.
Summary and Question
Is going within through self-reflection, talking therapy, meditating, attending to inner voices, or practicing mediumship useful or risky? It seems the answer depends on the individual’s approach and mental health. What do you think?
Copyright 2024 Stephen Russell-Lacy
Author of The Great Questions of Life
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