The Spiritual Meaning of Seizures

What is the spiritual meaning of seizures?

Introduction

Is there a link between seizures and spirituality?

In this article, we will be looking into the facts, experiences, and theories surrounding this topic to analyze whether or not there is a link or whether it’s simply down to physiological processes within the body and brain.

Not often discussed outside of research purposes, there has been a potential link uncovered between spirituality and seizures.

For many years mystics have claimed to have visions and fall into trance-like states when receiving messages from a higher source.

It is now often thought that these trance-like states could have been a form of undiagnosed epilepsy.

There are, however, many stories of people who believe that the seizure they have had has led to them experiencing some sort of religious or spiritual awakening or receiving messages from a higher realm.

At a fundamental physical level, it’s not all that difficult to see why.

When a person has a seizure, there are numerous physical actions taking place within the body, most notably increased electrical activity in the brain.

So, whilst some may say that due to this increased electrical activity, you could simply be experiencing mixed-up signals in the brain, many believe that the visions and feelings experienced are sent from another place; God, Spirit, the Universe.

Important to note is that the most common occurrences of spiritual experiences during a seizure are from people who have had what is called a ‘partial seizure’ – a type of seizure that doesn’t always necessarily involve convulsions.

Often described as an out-of-body experience, feeling as though the brain is rebooting itself, having hallucinations, or experiencing a feeling of deep connectedness, some have even gone as far as to say that they have enjoyed the seizures as it is when experiencing them that they felt the most blissful.

In research undertaken, it has been suggested that the increased brain activity during a seizure leads to increases in certain spiritually-based processes within the brain.

So, the question is, are these experiences that people are putting down to spirituality, actually simply mis-fires or mixed-up brain processing?

As mentioned, partial seizures are the most common to elicit the reaction of a spiritual or religious experience, and these take place within the temporal lobe.

This area of the brain, located in the middle brain, is responsible for short-term memory and the processing of emotions.

During a seizure, there are numerous misfiring neurons that impact many different functions, including; speech, memory, feelings, the processing of emotions, and occasionally functions of the physical body too, such as the mouth moving involuntarily and, in some cases, convulsions.

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Spiritual Meaning of Seizures

As such, many scientists and researchers discount any spiritual or religious aspects to seizures, and many believe it is a myth that these are related.

With so much unusual activity taking place within the brain, it could rightly be assumed that it’s normal to see, feel or sense things out of the ordinary.

But, who are we to discount a person’s experience and invalidate a belief of a spiritual or religious awakening or connection when seizing?

Interestingly, there are examples of people experiencing the same feelings and visions when they are not having a seizure, but most often, these recollections do follow an initial episode of some form of an epileptic seizure.

Let’s look a little further into the common symptoms of partial seizures (source: mayoclinic.com):

• a rising sensation in the abdomen, similar to being on a roller coaster
• a sudden or strange taste or odor
• a deja vu experience — a feeling that what’s happening has happened before
• a sudden sense of unprovoked fear or joy

Taking into account these symptoms, it’s not difficult to understand how these could be interpreted as some form of spiritual experience, with similar effects to some mind-altering drugs that drastically alter your perception and ability to process external information.

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There are some theories that state that due to the positioning of the affected temporal lobe when having a seizure, and as the physiological changes in this area can not always be picked up by monitoring equipment, the response and effect is coming from deep within this lobe and perhaps connecting to ancestral memories, rather than memories laid down in this life.

This theory, then, would support the spiritual aspect of seizures, believing that those who do experience them are actually able to unlock more of their deep-rooted memories than others.

Throughout history, although some of those with epilepsy have been revered, it was not unusual for them to be seen as demonic and supernatural, or possessed by evil spirits.

In the Bible, for example, Jesus is said to have healed a boy suffering from epilepsy by drawing out an evil spirit, with seizures considered within some branches of Christianity to be due to demonic possession or divine punishment for sins.

In some ancient cultures such as the Aztecs and Incas, epilepsy was attributed to Voodoo spirits taking over a body, ‘a manifestation of supernatural forces’ [Jilek-Aall., 1999].

It would be true to state that even in today’s modern world, there is some fear around epilepsy and seizures, although, with proper education and understanding, this is less prevalent. [Jilek-Aall L.,1999]

With science and spirituality very much at odds with regards to this topic, it is difficult to confirm one way or the other without discounting the experience of individuals who have had seizures.

However, many reputable scientists and doctors would discount the spiritual or religious aspects instead of correlating any visions, senses, or divine messages to the somewhat chaotic and dis-functioning brain when the seizure happens.

A Pathway to Empathy

Living with seizures, or caring for someone who does, can fundamentally alter one’s perspective on life.

The unpredictability and intensity of seizures can be a recall of the fragility and vulnerability inherent in the human condition. This experience, while challenging, can also serve as a powerful catalyst for empathy.

Empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of another, is usually born out of personal hardship.

The experience of seizures can heighten one’s awareness of the struggles faced by others, leading to a more profound sense of empathy.

As we navigate through the disorientation and fear that seizures might bring, we learn to appreciate the courage it takes for anyone dealing with a chronic condition or an unforeseen challenge. This understanding goes beyond mere sympathy, forging a bond that transcends our individual experiences.

This empathetic perspective also reminds us of our shared vulnerability.

Regardless of our backgrounds, we all face challenges and uncertainties.

Seizures can act as a symbol of this shared human experience, breaking down barriers of judgment.

They help us realize that beneath our surface differences, we are all interconnected, navigating through the labyrinth of life with its associated highs and lows.

In fostering empathy, seizures also create a pathway for unity. They show us that we are not alone in our struggles, fostering a sense of community and togetherness.

It is in these moments of shared understanding that we find comfort, connection, and a sense of belonging.

This unity can be a source of incredible strength, providing the support needed to cope with the challenges seizures may present.

this empathetic understanding can be a tool for spiritual connection. It opens up channels for deeper communication, enabling us to connect with others on a fundamental level.

It allows us to listen with an open heart, to offer comfort, and to provide support.

In doing so, we not only aid others but also enrich our own spiritual journey.

We learn the value of compassion, kindness, and understanding – virtues that lie at the heart of spiritual growth.

Therefore, while living with seizures is undeniably challenging, it can also open the door to a deeper understanding of empathy. It offers a unique lens through which to view our shared human experience, fostering spiritual growth and connection.

Through the struggles, we discover our shared humanity, and in doing so, we find a pathway to empathy.

Image source:

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