Horzelska, D. (2023). An organic inquiry into the relationship between inner turmoil and spiritual awakening [Unpublished Master’s thesis]. Alef Trust & Liverpool John Moores University.

The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between trauma and spiritual awakening, investigate how inner transformation is experienced and described, determine its aftereffects and the potential deeper meaning that these descriptions may convey. Five participants from diverse age groups and ethnic backgrounds were interviewed within Organic Inquiry framework. The data was collected and analysed in a non-linear manner and involved working with transpersonal ways of knowing and beyond-ego sources in the liminal realm. The findings are supportive of previous research into posttraumatic transformation and highlight a positive shift in various aspects of wakefulness including changes in outlook on life, general well-being, increased sense of purpose and transformation of personal relationships. The main shared aspect reported by the participants relates to the sense of oneness and connectedness that seemed to manifest through a variety of somatic sensations, cognitive insights and perceptual changes. From this perspective, the experience of posttraumatic transformation can be understood as an awakening to a reality of oneness that results in a reorientation of values and life purpose. This refocus appears to stem from a realisation of connectedness and interdependence that brings about an increased drive to add value to the world. The transformation of the researcher’s and participants’ perspective seemed to be furthered by engagement in the study.