A compelling investigation of how intense psychological suffering can lead to a dramatic shift into a new, expansive identity
Why do some people who experience the worst that life has to offer respond not by breaking down but by shifting up, into a higher-functioning, awakened state, like phoenixes rising from the ashes? And perhaps more importantly, how can we emulate their transformations? Over many years of observing and studying the phenomenon of life-changing awakening through extreme suffering, Steve Taylor coined the term "transformation through turmoil." He calls these people "shifters" and here shares dozens of their amazing stories. In addition, Taylor uncovers the psychological processes that explain these miraculous rebirths after years of struggle or devastating loss, addiction, or imprisonment. He highlights a number of lessons and guidelines that the shifters offer us. In Extraordinary Awakenings, readers will find not only riveting stories of transformation that show the amazing resilience of the human spirit, but also hope and guidance to call on during their own struggles, together with inspiration and profound food for thought. Steve Taylor, PhD, is a senior lecturer in psychology at Leeds Beckett University, the chair of the Transpersonal Psychology Section of the British Psychological Society, and the author of many bestselling books, including The Calm Center, The Leap, and The Clear Light. Eckhart Tolle has described his work as "an important contribution to the shift in consciousness which is happening on our planet at present." He blogs for Scientific American and Psychology Today. "Extraordinary Awakenings is both extraordinary and ordinary: extraordinary because it describes the sudden lifting of suffering and the deliverance into a more luminous, joyful existence; ordinary because every human being is capable of being what Steve Taylor calls a 'shifter.' We can all shift our consciousness. The stories in this book inspired me to continually wake myself up and contribute to a better, kinder, and more peaceful world."
- Elizabeth Lesser, cofounder of Omega Institute and author of the New York Times bestseller Broken Open: How Difficult Times Can Help Us Grow
"Fascinating and inspiring. Offering more than just a compelling account of traumatic circumstances leading to unexpected spiritual awakenings, Steve Taylor also explores their common features and how they can facilitate our own awakening - something we all can benefit from."
- Peter Russell, author of Letting Go of Nothing and From Science to God
"Mind-blowing. A gripping combination of moving personal stories and groundbreaking psychological research, this inspiring book will help you find the gifts in life's greatest challenges. By connecting the study of personal transformation with even bigger questions about our destiny as a species, Steve Taylor makes the leap from psychologist to visionary."
- Matthew Green, author of Aftershock: Fighting War, Surviving Trauma and Finding Peace
"Steve Taylor's brilliant new book introduces us to individuals who have experienced traumas and crises and have come out the other end deeply transformed and spiritually awakened. What I love most about this book is how clearly he outlines the process underlying these positive transformations. This can help us all with the crises and traumas of our own lives. Such a wonderful book!"
- Phil Borges, photographer and filmmaker, codirector of Crazywise
"A powerful and inspiring book that shows that the most difficult moments of life can also be the most transformational. The profoundly moving stories show how resilient human beings can become and how much potential lies inside us."
- Scott Barry Kaufman, founder and director of the Center for the Science of Human Potential and author of Transcend: The New Science of Self-Actualization
"In crystal-clear prose, Steve Taylor
