

Emergent Phenomena, with Daniel M. Ingram
Jul 4, 2025
Dr. Daniel M. Ingram, a retired ER physician and meditation expert, dives into the captivating world of emergent phenomena. He discusses the dual nature of spiritual experiences, exploring both the dark nights of the soul and enlightening moments. Ingram also sheds light on the intersection of spirituality and mental health, advocating for reevaluation in clinical contexts. Intriguing topics like brain scans during peak meditation states and the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in understanding consciousness make for a thought-provoking conversation.
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Why "Emergent Phenomena" Matters
- "Emergent phenomenology" describes spiritual, mystical, magical, energetic, and psychedelic experiences with epistemic humility about their origins.
- Using less ontologically loaded, more descriptive language aids clinical acceptance and scientific study.
Diverse Ontologies in Research
- The Emergent Phenomena Research Consortium embraces diverse and conflicting ontologies without demanding unification.
- The focus is on ethical care, informed consent, and high-quality data over ontological agreement.
Storytelling Heals Spiritual Struggles
- Simply allowing people to share their full stories about spiritual experiences is very therapeutic.
- Giving space for storytelling helps integrate difficult or complex experiences.