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Extraordinary Awakenings: When Trauma Leads to Transformation
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.
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.
264 pages, Paperback
Published September 7, 2021
15 people are currently reading
150 people want to read
About the author
Steve Taylor
233 books127 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
Steve Taylor is a senior lecturer in Psychology at Leeds Beckett University, UK. His latest books in the US are The Calm Center and Back to Sanity: Healing the Madness of the Human Mind. He is also the author of The Fall, Waking From Sleep, and Out Of The Darkness. His books have been published in 19 languages. His research has appeared in The Journal of Transpersonal Psychology, The Journal of Consciousness Studies, The Transpersonal Psychology Review, The International Journal of Transpersonal Studies, as well as the popular media in the UK, including on BBC World TV, The Guardian, and The Independent.
Steve Taylor is a senior lecturer in Psychology at Leeds Beckett University, UK. His latest books in the US are The Calm Center and Back to Sanity: Healing the Madness of the Human Mind. He is also the author of The Fall, Waking From Sleep, and Out Of The Darkness. His books have been published in 19 languages. His research has appeared in The Journal of Transpersonal Psychology, The Journal of Consciousness Studies, The Transpersonal Psychology Review, The International Journal of Transpersonal Studies, as well as the popular media in the UK, including on BBC World TV, The Guardian, and The Independent.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 2, 2024
I feel guarded about giving this 5/5 stars.
It’s a little new age.
And I’m typically very allergic to that library.
But I really liked this book.
And it would be dishonest of me to deny it.
As one might surmise.
It’s about trauma as a catalyst for spiritual awakening.
It’s a topic that needs more discussion.
Trauma, grief and recovery have been profoundly transformative in my life.
I bear also witness to this daily in my work as a therapist.
I feel it in my bones.
But it’s still hard to talk about with precision, scope and depth without resorting to religious, or new age, beliefs and ideas.
This book attempts to bring some clarity and specificity to the conversation.
And I think it’s largely successful.
At least it’s the best one of these that I’m aware of.
5/5 stars ⭐️
It’s a little new age.
And I’m typically very allergic to that library.
But I really liked this book.
And it would be dishonest of me to deny it.
As one might surmise.
It’s about trauma as a catalyst for spiritual awakening.
It’s a topic that needs more discussion.
Trauma, grief and recovery have been profoundly transformative in my life.
I bear also witness to this daily in my work as a therapist.
I feel it in my bones.
But it’s still hard to talk about with precision, scope and depth without resorting to religious, or new age, beliefs and ideas.
This book attempts to bring some clarity and specificity to the conversation.
And I think it’s largely successful.
At least it’s the best one of these that I’m aware of.
5/5 stars ⭐️
November 5, 2021
This book is transformational❤️🙏❤️. A guide into Self discovery after intense suffering. Mind opener, revealing & inspirational!
June 3, 2022
In this book the author examines post-traumatic growth (PTG) and transformation through turmoil (TTT).
Research has shown that around half of all people experience personal growth after traumatic events,
A related phenomenon is TTT, which is what we call “the sudden and dramatic shift into a new identity” which can arise from intense psychological suffering.
People who have experienced TTT include those who have been addicted to drugs or alcohol for many years who are suddenly freed of their craving, and those who have been depressed for years who suddenly “transition to a state of permanent ease and well-being".
Taylor calls these people the “shifters”.
“People who have experienced TTT feel a constant state of well-being and a strong sense of connection to other people, nature, and to the world as a whole”.
TTT is a “complete transformation of identity and being”.
TTT occurs to people in combat and those suffering incarceration. The experiences are also extraordinary because they are miraculous in that they “defy rationality”.
The author focuses on “the extraordinary awakening that may occur in the midst of extreme human suffering”.
We are given individual stories of awakening of people on the battlefield, for example, Gus, who was a soldier in the Falklands war. He had a wonderful experience just before a battle when he reconciled himself with the thought of death and felt complete peace. “Time disappeared and I was filled with ecstasy.”
After the war Gus suffered from PTSD. In a meditation group he realized that his suffering didn’t come from the war but from his internal dialogue about the war. The pain came from holding on to everything.
He realized that enlightenment was not about gaining anything but about what you let go of.
Phyllis had an awakening experience while serving in Afghanistan. She lived in a tent in a state of constant stress and danger.
One day a wave of “super happiness” washed over her and she ceased having any feelings of stress or fear. It lasted about five hours and then “gradually dimmed to a peacefulness that kept (her) going until (they) arrived back in the States”.
We are told that the ”miraculous spiritual transformations that occur in the midst of intense suffering are largely due to the breakdown of psychological attachments”.
Prisoners of war suffer a more extreme level of deprivation “with a near-starvation diet, terrible living conditions and cruelty at the hands of their captors”. Also, their future is uncertain and they know they may not survive.
There are high levels of post-traumatic growth among ex-prisoners of war.
Murray experienced an extraordinary sense of joy – he had stepped out of time into timelessness – “the prisoners in the compound, all and each transfigured by a beauty that glowed through them”.
During the Spanish Civil War the author Arthur Koestler was charged with espionage and sentenced to death.
Whilst in solitary confinement he had an intense awakening experience.
He felt in touch with “real reality”, where the “I” had ceased to exist, having been dissolved in “the universal pool”. This was sensed as an “oceanic feeling”, the “peace that passeth all understanding”.
Sri Aurobindo, as a political prisoner, underwent spiritual awakening. His main insight was that what present-day humans experience as higher states of consciousness are “glimpses of the future of evolution and will one day be normal to the whole human race”.
In one of Aurobindo’s spiritual awakenings he describes feeling “an inexpressible peace, a stupendous silence, an infinity of release and freedom”.
He experienced a “state of indescribable bliss.
After this experience his hardships in prison, though considerable, “”seemed as if drops of water on a lily”.
He spent the rest of his imprisonment in a state of bliss.
The iron bars, the blank surface of the wall “all seemed to come alive as if animated by a universal consciousness. A vibration of pure love seemed to radiate from them towards (him) --- A pure and wide peace reigned everywhere”.
There is also a chapter on transformation through facing death.
We hear about Tony and Emma who underwent a shift after an isolated encounter with death. They learned to cherish life and found joy.
Cancer causes pain and discomfort, but precisely because of this it has much spiritual potential.
We re told of several cases in detail where after life-threatening experiences or NDEs the persons concerned have powerful awakenings and permanent transformation.
In the conclusion we are impressed with the need for collective awakening, if we are to save our planet. Our considerable problems were caused by our sleep state and ego-separateness; we need to wake up to survive.
This is an important and inspiring book, providing new information. I highly recommend that you read it.
Research has shown that around half of all people experience personal growth after traumatic events,
A related phenomenon is TTT, which is what we call “the sudden and dramatic shift into a new identity” which can arise from intense psychological suffering.
People who have experienced TTT include those who have been addicted to drugs or alcohol for many years who are suddenly freed of their craving, and those who have been depressed for years who suddenly “transition to a state of permanent ease and well-being".
Taylor calls these people the “shifters”.
“People who have experienced TTT feel a constant state of well-being and a strong sense of connection to other people, nature, and to the world as a whole”.
TTT is a “complete transformation of identity and being”.
TTT occurs to people in combat and those suffering incarceration. The experiences are also extraordinary because they are miraculous in that they “defy rationality”.
The author focuses on “the extraordinary awakening that may occur in the midst of extreme human suffering”.
We are given individual stories of awakening of people on the battlefield, for example, Gus, who was a soldier in the Falklands war. He had a wonderful experience just before a battle when he reconciled himself with the thought of death and felt complete peace. “Time disappeared and I was filled with ecstasy.”
After the war Gus suffered from PTSD. In a meditation group he realized that his suffering didn’t come from the war but from his internal dialogue about the war. The pain came from holding on to everything.
He realized that enlightenment was not about gaining anything but about what you let go of.
Phyllis had an awakening experience while serving in Afghanistan. She lived in a tent in a state of constant stress and danger.
One day a wave of “super happiness” washed over her and she ceased having any feelings of stress or fear. It lasted about five hours and then “gradually dimmed to a peacefulness that kept (her) going until (they) arrived back in the States”.
We are told that the ”miraculous spiritual transformations that occur in the midst of intense suffering are largely due to the breakdown of psychological attachments”.
Prisoners of war suffer a more extreme level of deprivation “with a near-starvation diet, terrible living conditions and cruelty at the hands of their captors”. Also, their future is uncertain and they know they may not survive.
There are high levels of post-traumatic growth among ex-prisoners of war.
Murray experienced an extraordinary sense of joy – he had stepped out of time into timelessness – “the prisoners in the compound, all and each transfigured by a beauty that glowed through them”.
During the Spanish Civil War the author Arthur Koestler was charged with espionage and sentenced to death.
Whilst in solitary confinement he had an intense awakening experience.
He felt in touch with “real reality”, where the “I” had ceased to exist, having been dissolved in “the universal pool”. This was sensed as an “oceanic feeling”, the “peace that passeth all understanding”.
Sri Aurobindo, as a political prisoner, underwent spiritual awakening. His main insight was that what present-day humans experience as higher states of consciousness are “glimpses of the future of evolution and will one day be normal to the whole human race”.
In one of Aurobindo’s spiritual awakenings he describes feeling “an inexpressible peace, a stupendous silence, an infinity of release and freedom”.
He experienced a “state of indescribable bliss.
After this experience his hardships in prison, though considerable, “”seemed as if drops of water on a lily”.
He spent the rest of his imprisonment in a state of bliss.
The iron bars, the blank surface of the wall “all seemed to come alive as if animated by a universal consciousness. A vibration of pure love seemed to radiate from them towards (him) --- A pure and wide peace reigned everywhere”.
There is also a chapter on transformation through facing death.
We hear about Tony and Emma who underwent a shift after an isolated encounter with death. They learned to cherish life and found joy.
Cancer causes pain and discomfort, but precisely because of this it has much spiritual potential.
We re told of several cases in detail where after life-threatening experiences or NDEs the persons concerned have powerful awakenings and permanent transformation.
In the conclusion we are impressed with the need for collective awakening, if we are to save our planet. Our considerable problems were caused by our sleep state and ego-separateness; we need to wake up to survive.
This is an important and inspiring book, providing new information. I highly recommend that you read it.
July 17, 2023
A beautiful and inspiring read that allows for the seamless combination of psychology and spirituality.
November 11, 2021
Alot of really good reviews have been contributed here. I don't need to repeat. I have read and studied the most modern Non-Dual Advaita, Zen and Original spokes people (Eckhart Tolle, Gangaji, Adyashanti, Rupert Spira etc) and I think they have made great inroads in understanding and/or realizing what is really the depth of teachings of Eastern er...spiritual philosophy. This book was written in the early 70's when there wasn't much on the shelves about Non-Dual Reality. I had a teacher then who also wanted to make a grand synthesis of the various teachings, philosophical and metaphysical and practice. The headspace of the cultural wave has moved beyond this idea. Now the traditions, let's say Tibetan have cut and trimmed, and pruned their vast oceans of teachings and presented it to Western thinking and culture. And a few Western heros have ventured into those traditions and come back with golden offerings. We get the Cliff Notes and they get to maintain their cultural identity in terminology, heros and Gurus, hoary texts and cultural artifacts. Now there is a whole cauldron of teachings of various traditions which any Westerner so inclined can imbibe. David Loy is a syncretist and that's okay.
One idea that struck me as innovative was the analysis of thinking, feeling and perception to each have a Nirvikalpa and Savikalpa dimension. Or even a triple dimension corresponding to the Dharmakaya, Sambogakaya and Nirmamkaya of traditional Buddhism. Sort of like a Being or noumenal aspect and a active and manifesting aspect, Siva and Sakti. And the trick is to wrap your head around these as Non-Dual or not two. But examining my own experience this analysis is true and a useful teaching. For example thinking can peak in a formless void-type of experience and that's where its creativity lies, in the space between thoughts. You get a great idea not only is it inspiring but happens to correspond to objective truth because it comes from a deep place where thought and thing are united, where subjective and objective collapse into a unified field.
The other point, I have thought myself occasionally and he put form to it, Advaita Vedanta is Subjective bent and Zen and other forms of Buddhism are Reality bent. Just like Berkeley and Hume. Thank you, that clears a few things up.
The book seems like a Ph.D. thesis that has been edited to be quite readable. I met David Loy at a couple of Science and Non0Duality Conferences where he was giving talks particularly on Ecological Buddhism. And he a great guy, very friendly and open. I want to go hang out with him up in Boulder.
One idea that struck me as innovative was the analysis of thinking, feeling and perception to each have a Nirvikalpa and Savikalpa dimension. Or even a triple dimension corresponding to the Dharmakaya, Sambogakaya and Nirmamkaya of traditional Buddhism. Sort of like a Being or noumenal aspect and a active and manifesting aspect, Siva and Sakti. And the trick is to wrap your head around these as Non-Dual or not two. But examining my own experience this analysis is true and a useful teaching. For example thinking can peak in a formless void-type of experience and that's where its creativity lies, in the space between thoughts. You get a great idea not only is it inspiring but happens to correspond to objective truth because it comes from a deep place where thought and thing are united, where subjective and objective collapse into a unified field.
The other point, I have thought myself occasionally and he put form to it, Advaita Vedanta is Subjective bent and Zen and other forms of Buddhism are Reality bent. Just like Berkeley and Hume. Thank you, that clears a few things up.
The book seems like a Ph.D. thesis that has been edited to be quite readable. I met David Loy at a couple of Science and Non0Duality Conferences where he was giving talks particularly on Ecological Buddhism. And he a great guy, very friendly and open. I want to go hang out with him up in Boulder.
September 20, 2021
Steve Taylor's new book Extraordinary Awakenings: When Trauma Leads to Transformation is uplifting and healing bringing joy and compassion to your heart, as you embark on this extraordinary read of the human spirit!
Each chapter provides research, background and real-life examples from ordinary people who have undergone some very difficult circumstances including war, prison, bereavement, near death, depression and stress and addictions, and have transformed through awakening experiences. I thoroughly enjoyed reading how these people were able to tap into a newly discovered energy providing them with a sense of peace. As the author points out, awakenings are not new to our species. However, what is becoming more clear is how we transmit these teachings and experiences to others so that it makes sense in a way that is comfortable to the individual. We are hear on the planet to help each other through conscious awareness, as we develop in everyday life and in suffering moments affirming each other with needed support. This book does that!
I resonated with the guidance on how to learn from the turmoil and harnessing the power of our suffering in a way that is healthy. Steve points to four steps by listing and fully explaining each component. 1. Acknowledging your predicament 2. Acknowledging negative thought patterns 3. Explore your Inner Being and 4. Acceptance.
This book is for anyone , even if you haven't had an "extraordinary" awakening. Just reading the pages helps to raise the light within and connect with your true nature.
Very few authors are able to blend their authentic voice with science, spirituality and detailed research with many people like Steve Taylor has done in this book. Bravo! Highly Recommend to anyone no matter their circumstances or life situation!
Each chapter provides research, background and real-life examples from ordinary people who have undergone some very difficult circumstances including war, prison, bereavement, near death, depression and stress and addictions, and have transformed through awakening experiences. I thoroughly enjoyed reading how these people were able to tap into a newly discovered energy providing them with a sense of peace. As the author points out, awakenings are not new to our species. However, what is becoming more clear is how we transmit these teachings and experiences to others so that it makes sense in a way that is comfortable to the individual. We are hear on the planet to help each other through conscious awareness, as we develop in everyday life and in suffering moments affirming each other with needed support. This book does that!
I resonated with the guidance on how to learn from the turmoil and harnessing the power of our suffering in a way that is healthy. Steve points to four steps by listing and fully explaining each component. 1. Acknowledging your predicament 2. Acknowledging negative thought patterns 3. Explore your Inner Being and 4. Acceptance.
This book is for anyone , even if you haven't had an "extraordinary" awakening. Just reading the pages helps to raise the light within and connect with your true nature.
Very few authors are able to blend their authentic voice with science, spirituality and detailed research with many people like Steve Taylor has done in this book. Bravo! Highly Recommend to anyone no matter their circumstances or life situation!
September 7, 2021
I was fortunate enough to read an advance copy of this book, and once again I was impressed with Steve Taylor's ability to collect and synthesize stories of spiritual awakenings that on the surface seem extraordinary but in actuality make complete sense.
It is our destiny as humans to evolve out of the egoic state of mind, and into cooperative, loving beings. With comprehensive, academically rigorous works like this one, perhaps the transformation of our civilization can be hastened.
If you are at all interested in what it means to awaken spiritually (and/or think you might have experienced something of the sort)--but perhaps fear it's all a bunch of "New Age mumbo jumbo"--I strongly urge you to read Steve Taylor's books for a responsible, trustworthy, academically astute consideration of the phenomenon of awakening.
The sooner we start taking spiritual transformation seriously, the sooner this planet can heal.
It is our destiny as humans to evolve out of the egoic state of mind, and into cooperative, loving beings. With comprehensive, academically rigorous works like this one, perhaps the transformation of our civilization can be hastened.
If you are at all interested in what it means to awaken spiritually (and/or think you might have experienced something of the sort)--but perhaps fear it's all a bunch of "New Age mumbo jumbo"--I strongly urge you to read Steve Taylor's books for a responsible, trustworthy, academically astute consideration of the phenomenon of awakening.
The sooner we start taking spiritual transformation seriously, the sooner this planet can heal.
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October 4, 2021A guide to transform trauma into wider and deeper perspectives and connections
Another well written and helpful book from Mr Taylor covering his extensive research in the field of human transformation through turmoil.
We all have some turmoil in our lives. The key is to harness the turmoil in order to reap wider understandings and perspectives rather than narrower.
The opening quote from Kahlil Gibran is a good summary:
“The deeper that sorrow carves into your being, the more joy you can contain.”
I’m already looking forward to his next book. Thanks Steve!
Another well written and helpful book from Mr Taylor covering his extensive research in the field of human transformation through turmoil.
We all have some turmoil in our lives. The key is to harness the turmoil in order to reap wider understandings and perspectives rather than narrower.
The opening quote from Kahlil Gibran is a good summary:
“The deeper that sorrow carves into your being, the more joy you can contain.”
I’m already looking forward to his next book. Thanks Steve!
December 29, 2021
Linking things together
Very interesting, brought several books together, deeply routed in Buddhist philosophy without overly stating so.
Would like more on the conscious aspects but understand the reference.
Liked the experienciantal parts.
Very interesting, brought several books together, deeply routed in Buddhist philosophy without overly stating so.
Would like more on the conscious aspects but understand the reference.
Liked the experienciantal parts.
October 6, 2023
Good stories and discussion about connecting to your higher self. I would probably refer to parts of this book again if I had it in physical form. Just felt a little long in some parts.
December 14, 2025
This is a very good book.
April 4, 2023
Extraordinary Awakenings by Steve Taylor is extraordinary! This book includes stories of people who have undergone spiritual awakenings, easy and challenging, temporary and permanent, through suffering. Taylor illuminates intense experiences that probably happen more regularly than discussed and how they shift each person towards a higher state of being. The book helped me piece together parts of my personal transformation through trauma, and strengthen my healing book.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews