Elena Toscan, PHD Fabrizio D’Altilia, PHD Loretta Iluminati, PHD
Fabrizio d’Altilia PhD describes himself as a compassionate researcher in the arts of “know thyself”.
Counsellor, sociologist and anthropologist of religions, he has specialized in eastern and comparative philosophies, and is an expert in integral and transpersonal psychology.
With fifteen years of experience in studies and practices dealing with discomfort and evolutionary journeys, in psycho-social and intercultural contexts, he now lives and works as a counsellor and a group trainer in “Centro OM” of Saludecio (Rimini), which he opened together with the psychotherapist Loretta Illuminati PhD, as a separate branch of the Integral Transpersonal Institute / OM Association of Milan.
Feeling the narrowness of the institutional conventional way of thinking, he works and researches by a synthesis of different body-mind and socio-educational approaches, spiritual and perennial wisdoms, towards a global approach in self-realization that is purified from the clichés of new-age, of the sects and the pseudo-gurus.
He gives conferences, lectures, seminars, trainings, and workshops about different topics of psychology, wisdom and spirituality, such as: theoretical-practical circles, meditations, practices with myths, archetypes and imagination, eastern educational psychology, spiritual emergences, guru-busting, thanatology, criticism to the academic psychologies, anti-speciesism, sustainability and new lifestyles.
Elena, Fabrizio and Loretta are perfect examples of living their Hero’s journey; all having been through a personal spiritual emergence process, they now dedicate their lives to help others going through the same…
For over twenty-five years he has been documenting indigenous and tribal cultures, striving to create an understanding of the challenges they face. His work is exhibited in museums and galleries worldwide and his award winning books, which have been published in four languages, include Tibetan Portrait; Enduring Spirit;Women Empoweredand Tibet: Culture on the Edge.
Phil’s project Stirring the Fire has produced several short documentaries, a book and an exhibition highlighting some of the extraordinary women worldwide who are breaking through gender barriers and conventions in order to enhance the well being of their communities.
Phil’s Documentary, CRAZYWISE reveals a paradigm shift that’s changing the way Western culture defines and treats “mental illness”. The film highlights a survivor-led movement demanding more choices from a mental health care system in crisis.
I am delighted to be collaborating with Phil and the CRAZYWISE team for International #Emerging Proud day on 12th May 2017. Hear Phil talk about that and what propelled his personal passion for doing this work:
Phil has hosted television documentaries on indigenous cultures for Discovery and National Geographic channels. An experienced lecturer, Phil regularly presents at universities, teaches workshops, and has spoken at multiple TED events; including TED in 2007, TEDxRainier in 2012 and TEDxUMKC in 2013 and TEDxSan Juan Island in 2015.
To find out more information on community screenings or to sign up to the blog, go to:
” Mental distress is a portal into self- actualisation, providing a gateway into inner- consciousness, to the core of our being, and is only labelled as an ‘illness’ because of how we have been conditioned to understand it within Western culture.”
This was the message I channelled from the Collective Consciousness in 2012; that it was time our Western society must ‘Re- think’ our concept of ‘madness’.
Five years later, ‘Rethinking Madness’ will be the topic discussed simultaneously in 6 countries (so far) for International #Emerging Proud day on 12th May, and it’s with huge gratitude to Paris Williams for giving permission for us to use the title of his book for our Open Space title.
It really feels like we are on our way to creating much needed change…
This week I’ll be interviewing Phil Borges, one of the Producers of CRAZYWISE about his own unexpected journey into the world of bridging Western Psychiatry with the Indigenous cultural perspectives, and bringing you exciting news about how we have united to ‘Rethink Madness’ together with you, all over the world.
So is it really possible to make changes to a system that is so entrenched? Absolutely; together we create the new and make the old OBSOLETE.
This morning I woke up to a beautiful message which proves the research to be correct; during extreme states what we need most is support, safe space and understanding:
I had a full blown PTSD crisis/psychosis as it’s called AND I managed to stay out of the psych ward with the help of my community and family. I rested in safety at…. place and …. checked up on me….This is significant for me because the last time I was hospitalized I was put on a long term dose of antipsychotics and it was a huge ordeal to escape that trajectory. …
By going through it without the lens of a pathologizing eye, I was able to avoid being made worse by iatrogenic illness. …
I feel so free knowing I can potentially get through it without being captured. When I was in the psych ward last, I vowed to make doctors that practice paternalistically, inducing more harm and trauma on people in vulnerable states, who then have to recover from that harm as well as the initial crisis, OBSOLETE.
Are you ready to join us on 12th May in Guernsey, London UK, New York USA, Brazil, Uganda or Hungary to start creating the new? Watch this space for more details coming VERY soon! SAVE THE DATE!
Are you a musician, song- writer or poet ready to #Emergeproud through the expression of your art?
Would you like your masterpiece to feature worldwide and support the normalisation of spiritually transformative experiences?
I am seeking music to feature on the official #EmergingProud film, to be launched on 12th May 2017.To submit an entry please email a link with your song to: mendthegap@hotmail.com
Many of us also use the cathartic process of expressing through poetry and art when going through metamorphosis; if you’d like your work to feature in the official launch edition of the #Emerging Proud 2017 hard back book, then please email me: mendthegap@hotmail.com
A beautiful example of the wisdom that can be harnessed through awakening to the interconnected consciousness of life is this poem by Charlie Chaplin from his 70th year:
“As I began to love myself I found that anguish and emotional suffering
are only warning signs that I was living against my own truth.
Today, I know, this is “AUTHENTICITY”….”
Reminding us of the rebirth that can happen through chaos:
“We no longer need to fear arguments, confrontations or any kind of problems
with ourselves or others. Even stars collide, and out of their crashing
new worlds are born.Today I know THAT IS “LIFE”!”
I look forward to sharing your soulful expressions with the world…
Sean Blackwell admits that he is no shrinking violet; having bravely and patiently spoken out about his own ‘psychotic’ experiences that were labelled ‘b-polar disorder’ for the last 10 years and helping hundreds of people internationally to view their experiences in a more empowering framework than the medical paradigm offers, Sean talks about his excitement at feeling like 2017 is going to see a big shift.
#Emerging Proud day on 12th May 2017 is officially going international!
Sean and his wife Ligia, a Psychologist based in Brazil, will lead an event based around this theme in Sao Paolo, feeding back action points raised from the day to a central hub along with five other countries who will simultaneously host #Emerging Proud events in order to make sure that we have a trans- cultural and global impact. (More news on that coming very soon!)
Lori Morrison from Sedona, Arizona is an incredible soul. Having been through a very significant spiritual awakening following multiple traumatic experiences, she is now an Author, Spirit Concierge, Coach, and the Director of Education for the Mental Health Coalition in Northern Arizona.
I’m delighted to be interviewing Lori about her astounding journey and consequent work soon, but in the mean time you can listen to an outline of her story here:
Sean Blackwell came out of the spiritual closet a decade ago, posting his first video for YouTube, “Am I Bipolar or Waking Up?” in 2007. Since that time, Sean has produced over 50 videos exploring the spiritual dimension and healing potential of what is commonly labeled “bipolar disorder”. These videos are largely inspired by the work of transpersonal psychologists, Dr. Stanislav Grof, Dr. David Lukoff and Ken Wilber, as well as other pioneers such as Dr. John Weir Perry, Dr. RD Laing and Dr. Loren Mosher.
In 2011, Sean followed up this work with his autobiographical book, “Am I Bipolar or Waking Up?” which gave readers a very intimate view of his own “acute psychosis” which he always saw as a spiritual experience, as well as the subsequent transformation.
Then, in the fall of 2013, Sean created the Bipolar Awakenings Healing Retreat, a private program designed to help people who are currently diagnosed with bipolar disorder work through the trauma that is at the root of their diagnosis. In order to deepen the effectiveness of his retreat work, Sean completed his certification with Grof Transpersonal Training (GTT) as a holotropic breathwork facilitator, in 2016. This pioneering retreat program is now fully endorsed by GTT.
We very much look forward to hearing Sean talk about his #Emerging Proud journey; coming soon!
There is something so very healing about authentic story- telling. ‘Story Warrior’ Leah Harris knows this better than most. When I read Leah’s story it brought tears to my eyes and connected us at the heart; only allowing ourselves to be truly vulnerable can do this.
Leah is an outspoken writer, public speaker, and advocate for “trauma-informed” approaches to health care, and creative and holistic strategies for healing from the effects of trauma and toxic stress. A suicide attempt survivor and suicide prevention advocate, Leah’s story is featured in the upcoming feature-length documentary about suicide, The S Word.
Here Leah tells us how #Emergingproud as spiritual feels like the last ‘taboo’, and why it’s so liberating to speak out about not only mental health struggles, but also feeling like an ‘alien’ in an insane world:
Leah #Emergesproud to say:
“I’m a mother, storyteller, and mentor who loves to support people to heal on all the levels – mind, heart, body and spirit — so they can more fully step onto their path and do their sacred work in the world.
I’m so passionate about the healing journey. I love what a non-linear spiral it is and how it’s never done. I’ve spent the last 20 years of my life devoted to learning everything I can about healing my own wounds, so I can share these elixirs with the world.
I love, love, love creative exploration and expression. Poetry has saved my life on more than one occasion. Nothing brings me more joy than to be in that creative zone of flow where the passage of time means nothing. Those moments of connection are what make life matter.
I’m obsessed with all forms of social justice. My mission is to make the world a safer and more gentle place to be human.
I’m a super sensitive, empathic, introverted type who uses all the labels and then rejects them in order to remain in a state of wonder and surprise about myself, others, and this life.
I dislike boxes of any kind, unless they are filled with organic dark chocolates.
I’m learning to lean more authentically and unapologetically into myself, and I love to encourage others to do the same.
My best friends say my superpower is listening. Folks I work with tend to agree: I hold space like nobody’s business. And that’s only because I’ve learned how to hold space for me.
I know what it’s like to feel like the world is too much, and I don’t belong here. What it’s like to want to crawl under the covers and not come out. What it’s like to hurt and to be without hope. What it’s like to sense a calling but feel so stuck, I can’t step into it.
When I was 28 and going through a serious quarter-life, Saturn-return mega crisis, an astrologer told me that my soul chose to come into a really turbulent and chaotic life experience so that I could take on the mission of healing my own trauma, become empathic as f*ck, and step into a role as a teacher and healer. At the time, I was like “who would CHOOSE this?” and “no WAY do I have anything to teach,” but now I know that she was right. I had to learn to trust myself enough to see the truth in her words.
I am a certified life, spiritual, and energetic coach with the Artist of the Spirit training program, which is based on the teachings of Don Miguel Ruiz.
MY CALLING AS A MENTOR AND COACH
IS TO HOLD SPACE FOR SENSITIVE SOULS
TO HEAL AND AWAKEN TO THEIR GIFTS.
I am so passionate about working with sensitive souls because I am one myself. I’m a survivor of childhood trauma, and was often told from a young age that I was “too sensitive.” I took my “too-muchness” and used it as a weapon against myself. I walked through the world hating myself and feeling broken and crazy inside. I collected a lot of psychiatric diagnoses and disorders along the way, and struggled with bouts of disabling physical pain. I kept attracting love relationships where I gave and gave, only to be met with betrayal and devastation.
What I didn’t understand is that my internalized negative beliefs about myself crystallized into “agreements” that led me to continually attract situations and relationships where I felt victimized and disempowered. It took me decades and a whole lot of suffering to even claim my sensitivity as a gift, let alone understand how to make it work for me instead of against me.
The way I got un-stuck was first through “re-writing my story,” working to consciously release my limiting beliefs about who I was and what I was capable of. I stopped “living from the neck up” and learned how to re-connect my body and mind. And through a variety of mindfulness practices, I was able to find greater connection with my heart and spirit.
What has been most helpful to me, though, is learning how to manage myself energetically. Using basic spiritual tools to ground myself, stay centered, and clear accumulated or stuck emotions and energies has allowed me to move through my life with a greater sense of peace and freedom. I feel less controlled by my internal chaos and am better to listen to, trust, and follow my internal compass in life, work, and relationships.
My forthcoming book, tentatively entitled Story Warriors, will be dedicated to the sacred act of storytelling, a guide and support for sharing your story as a potent force for personal transformation and social change.”
Leah Harris is an incredible human being! Mother, poet, and storyteller, she has performed her true stories live in DC with Story District, Better Said than Done, Sparkle, and La Ti Do. Her poetry has been published in Beltway Poetry, Mizna, and DC Poets Against the War: An Anthology. She is a featured poet in Alix Olson’s anthology Word Warriors: 35 Women Leaders in the Spoken Word Revolution. Her poetry chapbook is entitled Poems of Mass Construction, and she is the creator of a spoken word album, Take Refuge.
With huge gratitude to Carol for speaking out about her spiritual emergence journey…
Carol says of her journey through psychiatry and transformation into a Shaman:
“My mystical journey began in April of 2006, after several years of intense Bible studies. I also went to Disney World in February that year and on the plane headed for Disney, I was reading a book called The Disappearance of theUniverse by Gary Renard. He said that going to a theme park was one way to change one’s view of reality. The synchronicity of this event struck me. I had bought a CD of Japanese drumming music at Epcot and one night, after my husband had gone away on a trip and left me at home alone with my 7 year old son, I danced nude in front of my mirror and went into a trance.
This was my first episode that landed me in the psychiatric ward and after one more episode in October 2006 I was put on lithium and Seroquel. After three years on these drugs, during which I experienced fibromyalgia-like symptoms, headaches, and severe anxiety, I contracted the swine flu and because I was dehydrated I became poisoned by the lithium. I developed severe vertigo and slurred speech and was in the hospital for a week. I had to decrease the lithium dosage and spent several weeks with a walker and then several months using a cane. I felt as if I had aged 20 years. I used lecithin supplements and St. Johns wort oil infusion to heal my nerves so that I could once again drive a car and I also did my own speech therapy, using a video.
After another episode in July 2010 I was put on Abilify and Zyprexa, with Seroquel. I could not stand the agitation created by taking Abilify. I beseeched the help of an herbalist and psychotherapist friend who said I was not bipolar and that I was going through a spiritual emergency. I dropped the psychiatrist and the drugs and turned to alternative methods of healing, including dream therapy. Eventually I went through a transformation that led me to a more peaceful life. I have come out of the closet as a shaman and have written a book about my experience called Coming Full Circle, One Woman’s Journey through Spiritual Crisis, available on amazon.”
Are you a musician, song- writer or poet ready to #Emergeproud through the expression of your art?
Reframing Mental distress as a potential catalyst for positive change 