Balance Despite Material Obsession

A modern spiritual framework accepts the notion that mental phenomena can arise from interactions with forces beyond our visibly manifest material reality. Possession is such an influence upon our minds, causing reactions we cannot comprehend in the mere material. The key here, as in so many things, is moderation.

Such a perspective expands upon the material manifestations of mental health, instead of denying any specific part of it. The visible things, however, are plainly not the only factors at work, as implied by a materialist and naturalist bent in psychology. The narcissistic obsession with power, as discussed in the preceding article in this series, might not simply stem from reactions to imbalances or bad experiences but could also reflect some immeasurable force that qualifies for the person as a call to leadership which transcends their usual individual will.

The modern spiritualist framework is particularly useful when dealing with phenomena that defy traditional classification. Not everything can be due to defects, intrinsic advantages, or differences in environment. Something greater would obviously be beyond our measurable reckoning, and above it. This approach has limitations and recognises them. To label something as “possession” in modern contexts also reduces it in the minds of many to metaphor alone or superstition. Our societies today prioritise empirical evidence, at least in theory, and forego such language. Somebody using spiritual language risks being ostracised and mocked, rather than finding assistance.

It’s also true that spiritual explanations, as open to interpretation, must not ignore evidence in material outcomes observed clearly. Hyperfocus on the spiritual aspects to the detriment to any outcomes, at the same time, is a clear sign of charlatanism which is most evident when proponents promote dismissive attitudes toward mental health in itself, rather than techniques with over-reliance on materialist comprehensions. There is great power in a moderated perspective, for it acknowledges that human experience cannot be fully explained by a limited science. It also recognises that certain things in human experience and life can certainly be advantageously measured.