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- The SHN #72: Spirits Are Real
How we pay attention to our internal world makes a big difference in how we can live. It can be very positive or very negative, but it should not be ignored.
Welcome back to The Synergetic Health Newsletter!
Greetings again from Bali, Indonesia!
I know I just hit your inbox and wrote a lot about spirituality—and I’ll get back to more regularly scheduled programming this Thursday— but I have been working on this and wanted to send it out as a bit of an addition to last week’s newsletter.
So, In this special edition, I write (maybe too much) about spirits— inspired by a book I recently finished which is mentioned throughout this post.
My interest in the subject and the reason I’ve decided to write about it is because I love learning about and sharing things that a) most people don’t know about and b) could be a catalyst for a major breakthrough.
For years I stayed in my lane of diet and exercise, operating in the linear world of cause and effect.
But that isn’t the arena where big time changes can be made. Some extra muscle or a bit less fat is cool and all, but can I instead offer you a way to unlock a hidden power within your mind? Or how about freeing yourself from lifelong emotional burdens? Or how about the ability to communicate with parts of yourself you never knew existed?
That's the potential I believe lies in understanding and putting into practice the knowledge I'm about to share. This isn't new information—it's ancient wisdom that has been used in cultures around the world for millennia. But in our modern Western society, we've been cut off from this knowledge, conditioned to view the mind as a fixed, closed system and to resist any suggestion to the contrary.
Unfortunately, we’ve been misled.
This disconnect from age-old understanding hasn't just limited our potential—it's contributed to the growing mental health crisis in our culture. The work of researchers, anthropologists, and therapists like Robert Falconer, Dick Schwartz, and others in the field of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy is showing us that there's another way.
By working with the parts of our mind that we've ignored or dismissed—including our connection to spirit guides and the impact of unattached burdens—we can find paths out of suffering and towards greater peace and happiness. This isn't just theory; it's a call to action. We have tools at our disposal that could revolutionize how we approach mental health and personal growth, if only we're willing to utilize them.
I hope you can read this post with an open mind— from a position of non-judgment and curiosity. Maybe you’re not interested and that’s fine! But also maybe you will learn a bit about the incredible beings we are and about a new way of using our operating system.
👻 Spirits, Of All Kinds, Are Real
In the wide landscape of spiritual exploration, the concept of non-physical entities interacting with our world has persisted across cultures and throughout history. From benevolent spirit guides offering wisdom and support to malevolent beings causing distress, these phenomena have shaped human experiences in many ways.
But what's the truth behind these ethereal interactions? Are they merely figments of imagination, or is there something more substantial at play?
In this post, we'll go deep into the world of spirit guides and unattached burdens, drawing heavily from Robert Falconer's incredible book, "The Others Within Us." We'll examine:
The nature and historical context of spirit guides
Modern research and understanding of these phenomena
The concept of unattached burdens and their impact on mental health
The "porosity of mind" and its implications for spiritual experiences
Methods for communicating with spirit guides and discerning their nature
The psychological perspectives on these experiences
Real-world applications and testimonials
I would love if you gave this post some time and space, to keep your judgments on the sideline, and be open to learning about this mind-bending topic 🙂
The Nature of Possession States
Central to our discussion is the concept of possession states - a phenomenon where an individual's consciousness appears to be influenced or overtaken by an external entity. This concept underlies both the positive experiences with spirit guides and the negative impacts of unattached burdens.
Possession states have been documented across cultures and throughout history. They range from the ecstatic possessions seen in some religious rituals to the distressing experiences that often lead to exorcism attempts. In many traditional societies, possession is seen as a normal, even desirable state, often associated with healing or divination.
Falconer's work brings a nuanced perspective to possession states. He suggests that what we call "possession" might be better understood as a spectrum of experiences involving the interaction between our consciousness and external spiritual entities or energies. On one end of this spectrum are the positive, growth-promoting interactions with spirit guides. On the other end are the distressing, limiting experiences with unattached burdens.
The key to navigating these experiences, according to Falconer, lies in understanding the porosity of the mind-- our innate openness to spiritual influences-- and developing discernment in our spiritual practices.
Neuroscientist Patrick McNamara writes, "Positive possession enhances self-control, dignity, autonomy as well as holiness and compassion for others. Demonic possession is associated with loss of control, slavishness to the appetites, being hated of others and violent passionate emotions
What Are Spirit Guides?
Spirit guides are often described as non-physical entities that provide guidance, support, and wisdom to individuals. They're seen as benevolent beings who have a higher perspective and can offer insights that we might not be able to access on our own.
The concept of spirit guides is flexible and can be adapted to various belief systems. As mentioned by Falconer, "For some of you, the word Spirit guides might feel a little bit weird, and you might prefer to change that for your higher self or for the universe for the Divine." This flexibility allows individuals to connect with the concept in a way that resonates with their personal beliefs.
Historical Context
The idea of spirit guides has deep roots in human history. Many ancient cultures had beliefs in spiritual beings that could communicate with and guide humans. In shamanic traditions, for example, spirit guides were often seen as animal spirits or ancestors who could offer wisdom and healing.
One of the most famous historical examples is the Oracle of Delphi in ancient Greece. The Pythia, or priestess, was believed to channel divine wisdom from Apollo, acting as a medium between the god and those seeking guidance. Similarly, Native American vision quests have long been a means of connecting with spirit guides, often involving periods of isolation and fasting to induce spiritual experiences.
In "The Others Within Us," Falconer discusses how various religious and spiritual traditions have incorporated the concept of inner guidance or divine communication. For instance, the Christian tradition of hearing God's voice or receiving divine inspiration can be seen as a form of spirit guide communication.
The concept of spirit guides also appears in many Eastern traditions. In Hinduism there's the idea of devas or celestial beings who can offer guidance. In Buddhism, bodhisattvas are enlightened beings who choose to stay in the world to help others on their spiritual path.
People who consider their suffering as spirit possession have a meaningful context and container, often with deep cultural connections. People who hold their suffering as a broken brain are cut off from finding meaning in it and are isolated from their cultures
Research and Modern Understanding
While spirit guides are primarily a spiritual concept, some researchers have attempted to study them from a more scientific perspective. Tanya Luhrmann, an anthropologist mentioned in Falconer’s book, has done extensive research on how people experience spiritual phenomena, including communication with divine or spiritual entities.
Luhrmann's work suggests that the ability to experience spirit guides or divine communication is a skill that can be developed through practice. She calls this "inner sense cultivation" - the deliberate use and development of mental imagery and inner perceptual abilities.
Research in cognitive psychology has shown that mental imagery and perception share many of the same neural mechanisms. This could potentially explain why some people report vivid experiences of spirit guides that feel very real to them.
Dr. Michael Newton's research on life between lives, detailed in his books "Journey of Souls" and "Destiny of Souls," provides accounts of individuals who, under hypnosis, report interactions with spirit guides. Similarly, Dr. Brian Weiss's work on past life regression often includes encounters with spirit guides, offering perspectives on the role these entities might play in our spiritual development.
We are not the only ones here. We have help available from the other side.
The Division of Perceptual Studies at the University of Virginia has been investigating phenomena related to consciousness and spiritual experiences for decades. Their research suggests that there may be more to these experiences than can be explained by conventional scientific understanding.
More Insights from "The Others Within Us"
Falconer's work provides a nuanced understanding of spiritual entities and their role in our experiences. He explores these concepts through the lens of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy and broader spiritual traditions, offering insights into both beneficial and potentially harmful spiritual influences.
Spirit Guides: Benevolent Allies
Falconer acknowledges the existence of spirit guides as benevolent entities that can offer guidance and support. These guides are seen as positive forces that assist in our spiritual growth and personal development. They often communicate through intuition, signs, and subtle impressions, helping to steer us towards our highest good.
According to Falconer, spirit guides:
Are inherently positive and supportive
Respect our free will and autonomy
Provide guidance that aligns with our best interests
Can be accessed through meditation, prayer, and other spiritual practices
Often bring a sense of peace, clarity, and empowerment
Falconer provides several case studies in his book where individuals report transformative experiences after connecting with their spirit guides. For example, he describes a client who, after establishing communication with what she perceived as a spirit guide, was able to overcome a long-standing anxiety disorder and make significant positive changes in her life.
Inside people's psyche, there often is valued and positive contact with someone who feels benevolent and wiser than we are. Sometimes these experiences are so powerful that they suddenly and totally change the course of a person's life. Sometimes they are subtle and gentle.
Unattached Burdens: Unwelcome Influences
In contrast to spirit guides, Falconer introduces the concept of "unattached burdens" (UBs). These are belief complexes or energies that aren't inherently part of our core self but can negatively influence our thoughts and behaviors. UBs are the main focus of his book, representing the culmination of his life's work researching how these entities cause human suffering and mental illness.
Characteristics of unattached burdens include:
They are often negative or limiting in nature
They can contribute to mental health issues and emotional distress
Unlike spirit guides, they don't have our best interests at heart
They may manifest as persistent negative thoughts, beliefs, or patterns of behavior
They are best removed or "cast out" rather than integrated
Falconer argues that identifying and removing these unattached burdens can have major effects on mental health and well-being. He suggests that removing UBs could significantly impact the mental health crisis in the West by addressing the actual root cause of some mental health issues.
In one of dozens of case studies discussed in his book, Falconer describes working with a client who had suffered from chronic depression for years. Through the process of identifying and removing an unattached burden, the client experienced a dramatic improvement in their mental health, reporting a sense of lightness and clarity they hadn't felt in decades.
One mainstream IFS (Internal Family Systems) idea that is crucially important for working with UBs is the realization that when you are not afraid of something in your inner world, it loses all power.
Vulnerability to Unattached Burdens
Falconer's work outlines what life experiences might make a person more susceptible to unattached burdens (UBs). Some key factors include:
Childhood Trauma: Individuals who experienced significant trauma, abuse, or neglect in childhood may be more vulnerable to UBs. The psychological defenses developed to cope with trauma can create openings for these entities.
Surgical Procedures: Falconer discusses how multiple surgeries, especially those involving general anesthesia, can increase vulnerability. He suggests that the altered states of consciousness during these procedures can leave a person's psyche more open to external influences.
Substance Abuse: Chronic substance abuse, particularly with psychoactive drugs, can create "holes" in a person's energetic field, making them more susceptible to UBs.
Prolonged Stress or Depression: Extended periods of severe stress or depression can weaken a person's psychological defenses, potentially allowing UBs to attach.
Spiritual Practices Without Proper Grounding: Engaging in intense spiritual practices or rituals without proper guidance or grounding can sometimes open individuals to unwanted influences.
Generational or Ancestral Burdens: Falconer suggests that some UBs might be passed down through families, attaching to individuals who are carrying unresolved ancestral trauma.
Manifestations of Unattached Burdens
The presence of UBs can manifest in various ways in a person's life, often mimicking or exacerbating mental health issues. Some common manifestations include:
Addiction: Addiction is a significant manifestation of UBs. The entity might drive compulsive behavior as a way to maintain its influence.
Persistent Negative Thought Patterns: UBs often manifest as recurring, intrusive negative thoughts that seem resistant to change through conventional therapy.
Mood Disorders: Chronic depression, anxiety, or bipolar-like symptoms that don't respond well to traditional treatments might be influenced by UBs.
Dissociative Symptoms: Feelings of detachment from oneself or reality could be related to the presence of UBs.
Unexplained Physical Symptoms: Some individuals report persistent physical ailments that have no clear medical cause.
Relationship Difficulties: UBs might manifest in patterns of dysfunctional relationships or inability to maintain healthy connections.
Self-Sabotaging Behaviors: Consistently acting against one's own best interests, often in puzzling ways, could be a sign of UB influence.
Resistance to Treatment: Traditional therapies or interventions may show limited effectiveness when UBs are present.
Falconer emphasizes that these manifestations can be subtle and often mimic other mental health conditions, which is why they may be overlooked in conventional psychiatric approaches. He argues that addressing these UBs through specific therapeutic techniques, such as those used in Internal Family Systems therapy, can lead to major healing events.
The Porosity of Mind
A key concept underlying both spirit guides and unattached burdens is what Falconer calls the "porosity of mind." This is the idea that our consciousness is not a closed system but is open to influences from the spiritual realm. This porosity allows for beneficial experiences like spirit guide communication, but it also makes us susceptible to less benevolent influences like UBs.
The concept of mental porosity underscores the importance of discernment in spiritual practices. It's necessary to distinguish between the supportive guidance of spirit guides and the potentially harmful influence of unattached burdens.
In essence, Falconer's work encourages us to build relationships with positive spiritual influences while recognizing when there potentially might be an unwelcome passenger on board as well. A skilled IFS therapist could help locate and remove these unwelcome passengers (UB’s), much akin to an exorcism as practiced in the Christian tradition. Yes, this is real. Yes, exorcisms are real. There are countless pieces of evidence for this.
Our Western psychology and therapy focus on the individual self and do not look for healing in melting that self into something larger. We tend to bolster and fortify the citadel of mind.
When the definition of the self in the West became rigid and impermeable during the Reformation, it triggered a centuries-long epidemic of depression and anxiety that continues.
Communicating with Spirit Guides
How does one go about communicating with spirit guides? Based on various sources, here are some approaches:
Openness: The first step is to be open to the experience. "We have to be open because as I say if we're not open we're not receptive to these messages."
Attention to Signs: Many people report receiving guidance through signs in the physical world. This could be recurring numbers (like 11:11), coming across specific books or videos, or meaningful coincidences.
Meditation: Regular meditation practice can help cultivate the inner senses and create a receptive state for spiritual communication.
Journaling: Writing can be a powerful tool for connecting with your inner wisdom or spirit guides. Try asking questions in your journal and then writing whatever comes to mind without censoring.
Visualization: Some people find it helpful to visualize their spirit guides during meditation or quiet reflection.
Pay Attention to Sensations: Guidance might come through physical sensations like warmth, tingling, or a sense of presence.
Trust Your Intuition: Often, communication from spirit guides is described as a subtle knowing or intuition rather than a clear voice or vision.
Look for Patterns: Pay attention to recurring themes or messages in your life. These could be ways your guides are trying to communicate with you.
Ask for Guidance: Before important decisions or activities, you can mentally ask for guidance and then remain open to insights or ideas that come to you.
The Path Meditation
Falconer describes a meditation technique developed by Dick Schwartz, the founder of IFS, called "The Path." This meditation is designed to help individuals establish contact with their guides in a safe and controlled manner. It involves visualizing a path that leads to encounters with various inner entities, including potential guides. Here is a YouTube video of the meditation.
Discernment and Integration
Falconer emphasizes the importance of discernment when dealing with perceived spirit guides. He offers several "real-time discernment tools" to help individuals assess the whether you are dealing with a benevolent guide or malevolent UB.
How does the being react to your fear?
Does it make you feel one-up or one-down compared to others?
What effect does it have on your preexisting internal conflicts?
These questions can help determine whether an experience is likely to be beneficial guidance or potentially harmful influence.
An important aspect of working with spirit guides, according to Falconer, is the integration of these experiences into everyday life. He suggests that the insights and guidance received should lead to tangible changes in behavior, attitude, or understanding. This integration is what transforms spiritual experiences from mere phenomena into tools for personal growth.
Modern Psychological Perspectives
It's worth noting that some modern psychological perspectives offer interesting parallels to the concept of spirit guides. Carl Jung's idea of the collective unconscious and archetypes shares similarities with the notion of spirit guides. Jung proposed that we all have access to a shared pool of human experience and wisdom, which can manifest in our psyche as archetypal figures or experiences.
Transpersonal psychology, a branch of psychology that integrates spiritual and transcendent aspects of human experience, also offers a framework for understanding and working with experiences like those described as spirit guide communications.
Practical Applications and Testimonials
Many individuals report significant positive changes after working with spirit guides. For example, some describe making major life decisions with a sense of clarity and confidence after what they perceived as guidance from their spirit guides. Others report overcoming personal challenges or finding new purpose and direction in life.
One individual, as reported in Dr. Brian Weiss's work, described how connecting with what they perceived as a spirit guide helped them navigate a difficult career transition, leading to a more fulfilling professional life. Another, from Dr. Michael Newton's research, reported finding peace and closure regarding a past trauma through what they experienced as communication with a spirit guide.
Sarah Elkhaldy, a spiritual teacher and guide, offers additional insights into the nature of spirit guides and how we can work with them. She describes spirit guides as "echoes of future versions of ourselves," existing within the quantum field where multiple possibilities coexist. This perspective aligns with the idea that our guides represent different evolutionary paths we could take, each embodying specific attributes or archetypes.
Elkhaldy emphasizes the concept of "affinity" in understanding and connecting with our spirit guides. She suggests that our guides often reflect aspects of our own nature or interests. For instance, if you feel a strong connection to the element of fire, you might have a guide that embodies the full evolution of fire-related attributes.
Whether you view spirit guides as external entities, aspects of your higher self, or simply a helpful metaphor for accessing your own inner wisdom, the practice of connecting with them can be a powerful tool for personal growth and spiritual development.
I’d recommend not dismissing this subject matter out of hand because of its seeming “woo-woo” nature. There are legit researchers and anthropologists who have studied these phenomena throughout history and report on its scientific validity. The mind is not a closed system— it is porous and is open to both magical guidance from invisible helpers but also susceptible to darker entities that could lead to suffering.
While the concept of spirit guides and unattached burdens may seem unconventional, the potential benefits of exploring these ideas are significant. From improved mental health to enhanced personal growth, the experiences reported by many individuals and studied by researchers suggest that there's more to our consciousness than we might initially assume.
Now, with modern psychology, we know that we are not even the master of our own house! Our lives are largely run by our parts or our addictions or our unconscious desires, or whatever you call them. This stuff with UBs, spiritual presence experiences, and the possession complex is yet another, deeper dethronement. We cannot even claim that everything in our mind is our own.
Listen to Robert Falconer Interviewed on the New Thinking Allowed Podcast: “Psychotherapy, Porous Mind, and Spirit Possession with Robert Falconer”
📚 Read my e-book, “Self-Development for Authentic Living” for free.
✔️ That will do it for this time! Hopefully you got some value out of it. If you have any questions/comments/things you’d like to learn more about please don’t hesitate to reach out.
🔗 If you know anyone who loves learning about these types of topics, send them this link!
📰 To read all past newsletters, go here.