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AMERICAN CENTER FOR THE INTEGRATION OF SPIRITUALLY TRANSFORMATIVE EXPERIENCES

About STEs

Integration of a Spiritually Transformative Experience (STE)

Research demonstrates that the profound changes and aftereffects associated with spiritually transformative experiences typically require an extended, period of adjustment.

Common Challenges Following an STE

As part of the integration process that leads to positive changes and transformations following a spiritually transformative experience, an experiencer may also have to deal with one or more challenges. Not every person who has had a spiritually transformative experience deals with difficult challenges, nor to the same degree.

Changes Following an STE

Collectively, the changes following an STE are transformative because they not only tend to be enduring, but involve almost every major aspect of a person’s life. The changes are generally not sudden, but may evolve over many years of integrating and reflecting upon the meaning, messages and values derived from the experience.

What is a Spiritually Transformative Experience (STE)?

An experience is spiritually transformative when it causes people to perceive themselves and the world profoundly differently: by expanding the individual’s identity, augmenting their sensitivities, and thereby altering their values, priorities and appreciation of the purpose of life.

STE Research

Field Notes from the Light: An Ethnographic Study of the Meaning and Significance of “Near-Death Experiences”

by L. Suzanne Gordon, PhD

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This dissertation is based on a comprehensive study which investigated the meaning and social significance of “near-death experiences” (NDEs) by situating 50 experiencers (NDErs) as the “inside” experts on these profound, subjective experiences and their real-world impact.

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