Spiritual Crisis: I Would Like to Talk to You About My Thing

Sometimes I go into trance. A little whisky helps. And some evocative music. Whilst in this liminal state the gods sometimes speak to me. And this is what one of them once said:

“The surprising thing about you is that you freely allow parts of yourself to be sold back to you for the profit of others.”

If I understood him correctly, I think this wise old god was talking about the sovereignty of the soul. Or, perhaps, beware of false profits? And part of the soul is finding your thing in life.

I’ve been fascinated by myth, magic, and mysticism for as long as I can remember. I’ve been a supporter of the Alister Hardy Trust for 26 years and of the Spiritual Crisis Network for over ten years. I have spent literally thousands of pounds and dedicated thousands of hours of voluntary work to doing this work. I don’t do it for a profit. This is my passion; this is my thing. My living expenses have always been earned from my career in ICT, mostly working in the charity and public sectors. This is how I fund my work on spiritual crisis.

I’m afraid to say that I feel increasingly uncomfortable when I see individuals or organisations that seek profit from spiritual awakening, crisis, or emergency. Genuine spirituality is not for sale; it cannot be purchased or sold, only lived. And lived each day until our last. Of course, everyone has expenses; we all need to cover our costs. Even the gods demand gifts occasionally.

I’m not a seer, but one thing I can tell you, people and organisations will come and go (for various reasons), but I will still be here doing this (and still not profiting by it) in another ten years’ time. I may not be the smartest researcher, the most charismatic trainer, or the most insightful of therapists, but what I can guarantee you is that (gods willing) I will still be here, doing research, talking to anyone interested, and offering support to anyone affected by spiritual crisis in another decade. Or perhaps slightly less; my gods usually deal in nines.

With this in mind, I am offering a series of talks, based on my research on spiritual crisis aimed principally at clinicians and therapists (although all are welcome). Attend one, a few, or attend them all. Concessions available.

For further details and to register visit https://www.talkaboutspiritualcrisis.uk/training.html

So, I offer these talks, first and foremost because I believe that spirituality is a fundamentally important aspect of being human that needs to be preserved within an increasingly secular and materialistic world. Secondly, because I believe our health care professionals need awareness and understanding of spiritual crises to avoid causing iatrogenic harm to the people that they serve. And thirdly because often small sacrifices need to be made for a greater good; I need to cover the costs of the work that I do before my career comes to an end.

PS I didn’t use generative AI to help me write this, but the gods may have had something to do with it. Thank you for listening to me talk about my thing.

Sköl!

Dr Mike Rush
www.talkaboutspiritualcrisis.uk
mike@talkaboutspiritualcrisis.uk

Mike Rush Member since March 17, 2022

Mike Rush is a director of the Spiritual Crisis Network, a Trustee of the Alister Hardy Trust, and a member of the BPS Transpersonal Psychology Section Committee. He holds a BSc in Biomedical Science (Keele), an MA in Religious Experience (University of Wales, Lampeter), and a PGDip in Consciousness & Transpersonal Psychology (Liverpool John Moores). He is a qualified hypno-psychotherapist, registered with the CNHC and National Society of Talking Therapies. Mike completed his PhD at Christ Church Canterbury University, supported by the Professional Development Foundation and Alef Trust. His research focused on spiritual crisis—self-identified spiritual or unusual experiences that may cause distress but hold potential for growth. His work included a service evaluation of the Spiritual Crisis Network, an IPA study on grounding, and a Hero’s Journey case study of transformation. He also works full-time as an ICT Service Desk Manager in local government.

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