Skip to main content
Top
Published in: International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction 3/2012

01-06-2012

Radical Acceptance: A Nondual Psychology Approach to Grief and Loss

Author: Brian Theriault

Published in: International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction | Issue 3/2012

Login to get access

Abstract

This article explores the application of nondual psychology in transforming grief and loss into the experience of nondual consciousness. Nondual consciousness is the collapse of the dualistic notions of self and other through the direct realization of the stateless state of no-self. The experience of grief and loss serves as a catalyst to this radical experience because it invites the experience of death and non-being which can shatter one’s conventional notions of self and open one up to the realm of transpersonal and nondual consciousness. The barrier to this experience is the fear of no-self. Nondual psychology is the facilitation towards the radical acceptance of no-self, whereby the contraction around grief dissolves revealing the open spaciousness of one’s being. The author also includes a segment of his own transformational journey through grief and a client case study.
Literature
go back to reference Da, A. (1983). Easy death: Talks and essays on the inherent and ultimate transcendence of death and everything else. Clearlake: The Dawn Horse. Da, A. (1983). Easy death: Talks and essays on the inherent and ultimate transcendence of death and everything else. Clearlake: The Dawn Horse.
go back to reference Adyashanti. (2000). The impact of awakening: Excerpts from the teachings of Adyashanti. Los Gatos: Open Gate Sangha. Adyashanti. (2000). The impact of awakening: Excerpts from the teachings of Adyashanti. Los Gatos: Open Gate Sangha.
go back to reference Adyashanti. (2008). The end of your world: Uncensored straight talk on the nature of enlightenment. Boulder: Sounds True Publishing. Adyashanti. (2008). The end of your world: Uncensored straight talk on the nature of enlightenment. Boulder: Sounds True Publishing.
go back to reference Almaas, A. H. (1988). The pearl beyond price: Integration of personality into being: An object relations approach. Berkeley: Diamond Books. Almaas, A. H. (1988). The pearl beyond price: Integration of personality into being: An object relations approach. Berkeley: Diamond Books.
go back to reference Almaas, A. H. (1996). The point of existence: Transformations of narcissism in self-realization. Berkeley: Diamond Books. Almaas, A. H. (1996). The point of existence: Transformations of narcissism in self-realization. Berkeley: Diamond Books.
go back to reference Ardagh, A. (2005). Relaxing into clear seeing (3rd ed.). Nevada City: SelfXpress. Ardagh, A. (2005). Relaxing into clear seeing (3rd ed.). Nevada City: SelfXpress.
go back to reference Assagioli, R. (1971). Psychosynthesis. New York: Hobbs, Dorman. Assagioli, R. (1971). Psychosynthesis. New York: Hobbs, Dorman.
go back to reference Balsekar, R. (1992). Consciousness speaks: Conversations with Ramesh Balsekar. Redondo Beach: Advaita. Balsekar, R. (1992). Consciousness speaks: Conversations with Ramesh Balsekar. Redondo Beach: Advaita.
go back to reference Bedard, J. (1999). Lotus in the fire: The healing power of Zen. Boston: Shambhala. Bedard, J. (1999). Lotus in the fire: The healing power of Zen. Boston: Shambhala.
go back to reference Blackstone, J. (2006). Intersubjectivity and nonduality in the psychotherapeutic relationship. Journal of Transpersonal Psychology, 38(1), 25–40. Blackstone, J. (2006). Intersubjectivity and nonduality in the psychotherapeutic relationship. Journal of Transpersonal Psychology, 38(1), 25–40.
go back to reference Bucke, M. (1973). Cosmic consciousness: A study in the evolution of the human mind (2nd ed.). Secaucus: The Citadel. Bucke, M. (1973). Cosmic consciousness: A study in the evolution of the human mind (2nd ed.). Secaucus: The Citadel.
go back to reference Carse, D. (2006). Perfect brilliant stillness: Beyond the individual self. Shelburne: Paragate Publishing. Carse, D. (2006). Perfect brilliant stillness: Beyond the individual self. Shelburne: Paragate Publishing.
go back to reference Chodron, P. (2001). The places that scare you. Boston: Shambhala. Chodron, P. (2001). The places that scare you. Boston: Shambhala.
go back to reference Cortright, B. (1997). Psychotherapy and spirit: Theory and practice in transpersonal psychotherapy. Albany: State University of New York Press. Cortright, B. (1997). Psychotherapy and spirit: Theory and practice in transpersonal psychotherapy. Albany: State University of New York Press.
go back to reference Epstein, M. (1995). Thoughts without a thinker: Psychotherapy from a Buddhist perspective. New York: Basic Books. Epstein, M. (1995). Thoughts without a thinker: Psychotherapy from a Buddhist perspective. New York: Basic Books.
go back to reference Evans-Wentz, W. (1971). Tibetan yoga and secret doctrines. London: Oxford University Press. Evans-Wentz, W. (1971). Tibetan yoga and secret doctrines. London: Oxford University Press.
go back to reference Fenner, P. (2003). Nonduality and therapy: Awakening the unconditioned mind. In J. Prendergast, P. Fenner, & S. Krystal (Eds.), The sacred mirror: Nondual wisdom and psychotherapy (pp. 23–56). St. Paul: Paragon House. Fenner, P. (2003). Nonduality and therapy: Awakening the unconditioned mind. In J. Prendergast, P. Fenner, & S. Krystal (Eds.), The sacred mirror: Nondual wisdom and psychotherapy (pp. 23–56). St. Paul: Paragon House.
go back to reference Foster, J. (2009). An extraordinary absence: Liberation in the midst of an ordinary life. UK: Non-Duality. Foster, J. (2009). An extraordinary absence: Liberation in the midst of an ordinary life. UK: Non-Duality.
go back to reference Fox, M. (1988). The coming of the cosmic Christ. San Francisco: Harper and Row. Fox, M. (1988). The coming of the cosmic Christ. San Francisco: Harper and Row.
go back to reference Gangaji. (1996). You are that! Satsang with Gangaji (Vol. 2). Boulder: The Gangaji Foundation. Gangaji. (1996). You are that! Satsang with Gangaji (Vol. 2). Boulder: The Gangaji Foundation.
go back to reference Greenspan, M. (2003). Healing through the dark emotions: The wisdom of grief, fear and despair. Boston: Shambhala. Greenspan, M. (2003). Healing through the dark emotions: The wisdom of grief, fear and despair. Boston: Shambhala.
go back to reference Grof, S. (1985). Beyond the brain: Birth, death, and transcendence in psychotherapy. Albany: State University of New York Press. Grof, S. (1985). Beyond the brain: Birth, death, and transcendence in psychotherapy. Albany: State University of New York Press.
go back to reference Halifax, J. (2009). Being with dying: Cultivating compassion and fearlessness in the presence of death. Boston: Shambhala. Halifax, J. (2009). Being with dying: Cultivating compassion and fearlessness in the presence of death. Boston: Shambhala.
go back to reference Harvey, A. (1996). The essential mystics: The soul’s journey into truth. Edison: Castle Books. Harvey, A. (1996). The essential mystics: The soul’s journey into truth. Edison: Castle Books.
go back to reference Hixon, L. (1989). Coming home: The experience of enlightenment in sacred traditions. Los Angles: Jeremy P. Tarcher, Inc. Hixon, L. (1989). Coming home: The experience of enlightenment in sacred traditions. Los Angles: Jeremy P. Tarcher, Inc.
go back to reference Kapleau, P. (1980). The three pillars of Zen. Garden City: Anchor/Doubleday. Kapleau, P. (1980). The three pillars of Zen. Garden City: Anchor/Doubleday.
go back to reference Katie, B. (2002). Loving what is: Four questions that can change your life. New York: Harmony Books. Katie, B. (2002). Loving what is: Four questions that can change your life. New York: Harmony Books.
go back to reference Kramer, K. (1988). The sacred art of dying: How world religions understand death. Mahwah: Paulist. Kramer, K. (1988). The sacred art of dying: How world religions understand death. Mahwah: Paulist.
go back to reference Krishnamurti, J. (2000). To be human. Boston: Shambhala. Krishnamurti, J. (2000). To be human. Boston: Shambhala.
go back to reference Levine, S. (2005). Unattended sorrow: Recovering from loss and reviving the heart. USA: Rodale. Levine, S. (2005). Unattended sorrow: Recovering from loss and reviving the heart. USA: Rodale.
go back to reference Levine, S., & Levine, O. (1982). Who dies? An investigation of conscious living and conscious dying. New York: Anchor Books. Levine, S., & Levine, O. (1982). Who dies? An investigation of conscious living and conscious dying. New York: Anchor Books.
go back to reference Liquorman, W. (2009). Enlightenment is not what you think. Redondo Beach: Advaita. Liquorman, W. (2009). Enlightenment is not what you think. Redondo Beach: Advaita.
go back to reference Lumiere, M. (2003). Healing trauma in the eternal now. In J. Prendergast, P. Fenner, & S. Krystal (Eds.), The sacred mirror: Nondual wisdom and psychotherapy (pp. 249–267). St. Paul: Paragon House. Lumiere, M. (2003). Healing trauma in the eternal now. In J. Prendergast, P. Fenner, & S. Krystal (Eds.), The sacred mirror: Nondual wisdom and psychotherapy (pp. 249–267). St. Paul: Paragon House.
go back to reference Maharaj, N. (1999). I am that: Talks with Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj (7th ed.). Durham: The Acorn. Maharaj, N. (1999). I am that: Talks with Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj (7th ed.). Durham: The Acorn.
go back to reference Maharshi, R. (1985). Be as you are: The teachings of Sri Ramana Maharshi. London: Arkana. Maharshi, R. (1985). Be as you are: The teachings of Sri Ramana Maharshi. London: Arkana.
go back to reference Maslow, A. (1968). Toward a psychology of being. New York: Van Nostrund Reinhold. Maslow, A. (1968). Toward a psychology of being. New York: Van Nostrund Reinhold.
go back to reference McKenna, J. (2002). Spiritual enlightenment: The damnedest thing. USA: Wisefool. McKenna, J. (2002). Spiritual enlightenment: The damnedest thing. USA: Wisefool.
go back to reference Moody, R. (1976). Life after life. New York: Bantam. Moody, R. (1976). Life after life. New York: Bantam.
go back to reference Nixon, G. (2001). The transformational opportunity of embracing the silence beyond hopelessness. Voices: Journal of the American Academy of Psychotherapists, 37(2), 56–66. Nixon, G. (2001). The transformational opportunity of embracing the silence beyond hopelessness. Voices: Journal of the American Academy of Psychotherapists, 37(2), 56–66.
go back to reference Nixon, G. (2010). Nondual counselling and psychotherapy: The transformation of anxiety into nondual being. Counseling and Spirituality, 29(1), 47–66. Nixon, G. (2010). Nondual counselling and psychotherapy: The transformation of anxiety into nondual being. Counseling and Spirituality, 29(1), 47–66.
go back to reference Osho. (1977). A sudden clash of thunder. Pune: Osho International Foundation. Osho. (1977). A sudden clash of thunder. Pune: Osho International Foundation.
go back to reference Osho. (1978). The heart sutra: Discourses on the prajnaparamita-hridayam sutra of Gautama the Buddha. Pune: Osho International Foundation. Osho. (1978). The heart sutra: Discourses on the prajnaparamita-hridayam sutra of Gautama the Buddha. Pune: Osho International Foundation.
go back to reference Osho. (1983). The secret of secrets: Talks on the secret of the golden flower (Vol. 2). Oregon: Rajneesh Foundation International. Osho. (1983). The secret of secrets: Talks on the secret of the golden flower (Vol. 2). Oregon: Rajneesh Foundation International.
go back to reference Osho. (2000). Autobiography of a spiritually incorrect mystic. New York: St. Martin’s Griffin. Osho. (2000). Autobiography of a spiritually incorrect mystic. New York: St. Martin’s Griffin.
go back to reference Prendergast, J. (2003). The sacred mirror: Being together. In J. Prendergast, P. Fenner, & S. Krystal (Eds.), The sacred mirror: Nondual wisdom and psychotherapy (pp. 89–115). St. Paul: Paragon House. Prendergast, J. (2003). The sacred mirror: Being together. In J. Prendergast, P. Fenner, & S. Krystal (Eds.), The sacred mirror: Nondual wisdom and psychotherapy (pp. 89–115). St. Paul: Paragon House.
go back to reference Prendergast, J., & Bradford, K. (2007a). (Eds.). Listening from the heart of silence: Nondual wisdom and psychotherapy, volume 2. St. Paul, MN: Paragon House. Prendergast, J., & Bradford, K. (2007a). (Eds.). Listening from the heart of silence: Nondual wisdom and psychotherapy, volume 2. St. Paul, MN: Paragon House.
go back to reference Prendergast, J., & Bradford, K. (2007b). Toward an embodied nonduality: Introductory remarks. In J. Prendergast & K. Bradford (Eds.), Listening from the heart of silence: Nondual wisdom and psychotherapy (Vol. 2, pp. 1–34). St. Paul: Paragon House. Prendergast, J., & Bradford, K. (2007b). Toward an embodied nonduality: Introductory remarks. In J. Prendergast & K. Bradford (Eds.), Listening from the heart of silence: Nondual wisdom and psychotherapy (Vol. 2, pp. 1–34). St. Paul: Paragon House.
go back to reference Prendergast, J., Fenner, P., & Krystal, S. (2003). (Eds.). The sacred mirror: Nondual wisdom and psychotherapy. St. Paul, MN: Paragon House. Prendergast, J., Fenner, P., & Krystal, S. (2003). (Eds.). The sacred mirror: Nondual wisdom and psychotherapy. St. Paul, MN: Paragon House.
go back to reference Dass, R., & Gorman, P. (1985). How can I help? Stories and reflections on service. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, Inc. Dass, R., & Gorman, P. (1985). How can I help? Stories and reflections on service. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, Inc.
go back to reference Renz, K. (2005). The myth of enlightenment: Seeing through the illusion of separation. Carlsbad: Inner Directions Foundation. Renz, K. (2005). The myth of enlightenment: Seeing through the illusion of separation. Carlsbad: Inner Directions Foundation.
go back to reference Ring, K. (1982). Life at death: A scientific investigation of the near-death experience. New York: Quill. Ring, K. (1982). Life at death: A scientific investigation of the near-death experience. New York: Quill.
go back to reference Rowan, J. (2005). The transpersonal: Spirituality in psychotherapy and counselling (2nd ed.). New York: Routledge. Rowan, J. (2005). The transpersonal: Spirituality in psychotherapy and counselling (2nd ed.). New York: Routledge.
go back to reference Segal, S. (1996). Collision with the infinite: A life beyond the personal self. San Diego: Inner Directions. Segal, S. (1996). Collision with the infinite: A life beyond the personal self. San Diego: Inner Directions.
go back to reference Singh, D. K. (1998). The grace in dying: How we are transformed spiritually as we die. New York: HarperSanFrancisco. Singh, D. K. (1998). The grace in dying: How we are transformed spiritually as we die. New York: HarperSanFrancisco.
go back to reference Smith, H. (1991). The world’s religions: Our great wisdom traditions (Revth ed.). New York: HarperCollins Publishers. Smith, H. (1991). The world’s religions: Our great wisdom traditions (Revth ed.). New York: HarperCollins Publishers.
go back to reference Susuki, S. (2003). Not always so: Practicing the true spirit of Zen. New York: HarperCollins. Susuki, S. (2003). Not always so: Practicing the true spirit of Zen. New York: HarperCollins.
go back to reference Thich Nhat Hanh. (2002). No death, no fear: Comforting wisdom for life. New York: Riverhead Books. Thich Nhat Hanh. (2002). No death, no fear: Comforting wisdom for life. New York: Riverhead Books.
go back to reference Tolle, E. (1997). The power of now: A guide to spiritual enlightenment. Vancouver: Namaste Publishing. Tolle, E. (1997). The power of now: A guide to spiritual enlightenment. Vancouver: Namaste Publishing.
go back to reference Trungpa, C. (1987). Cutting through spiritual materialism. Boston: Shambhala. Trungpa, C. (1987). Cutting through spiritual materialism. Boston: Shambhala.
go back to reference Washburn, M. (1994). Transpersonal psychology in psychoanalytic perspective. Albany: State University of New York Press. Washburn, M. (1994). Transpersonal psychology in psychoanalytic perspective. Albany: State University of New York Press.
go back to reference Wei Wu Wei. (2004). Open secret. Boulder: Sentient Publications. Wei Wu Wei. (2004). Open secret. Boulder: Sentient Publications.
go back to reference Welwood, J. (2002). Toward a psychology of awakening: Buddhism, psychotherapy, and the path of personal and spiritual transformation. Boston: Shambhala. Welwood, J. (2002). Toward a psychology of awakening: Buddhism, psychotherapy, and the path of personal and spiritual transformation. Boston: Shambhala.
go back to reference Wilber, K. (1986). The spectrum of development. In K. Wilber, J. Engler, & D. Brown (Eds.), Transformations of consciousness (pp. 65–159). Boston: Shambhala. Wilber, K. (1986). The spectrum of development. In K. Wilber, J. Engler, & D. Brown (Eds.), Transformations of consciousness (pp. 65–159). Boston: Shambhala.
go back to reference Wilber, K. (1993). Grace and grit: Spirituality and healing in the life and death of Treya Killam Wilber. Boston: Shambhala. Wilber, K. (1993). Grace and grit: Spirituality and healing in the life and death of Treya Killam Wilber. Boston: Shambhala.
go back to reference Wilber, K. (1996). A brief history of everything. Boston: Shambhala. Wilber, K. (1996). A brief history of everything. Boston: Shambhala.
go back to reference Wolinsky, S. (1993). Quantum consciousness. Norfolk, CT: Bramble Books. Wolinsky, S. (1993). Quantum consciousness. Norfolk, CT: Bramble Books.
go back to reference Yalom, I. (1980). Existential psychotherapy. New York: Basic Books. Yalom, I. (1980). Existential psychotherapy. New York: Basic Books.
Metadata
Title
Radical Acceptance: A Nondual Psychology Approach to Grief and Loss
Author
Brian Theriault
Publication date
01-06-2012
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction / Issue 3/2012
Print ISSN: 1557-1874
Electronic ISSN: 1557-1882
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-011-9359-9

Other articles of this Issue 3/2012

International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction 3/2012 Go to the issue