Quantum Change
Quantum Change is a concept used by William R. Miller[1] and other scientists to identify a transformative Connection Experience. "Quantum Change" is relatively permanent."...the phenomenon of quantum change is an all encompassing and largely permanent personality change."[2] When quantum change occurs, we experience significant "forward movement" towards Alignment, Atonement, Awakening, and better mental and physical health. Quantum change may also involve the development of a stronger and more persistent Connection.
Syncretic Terms
Transformation > Quantum Change, The Shift, Transformational Change
Notes
Miller[3] identifies two types of Quantum Change, a Mystical Type and an Insightful Type. These probably refer to the relative intensity of connection.
A quantum change is an abrupt/rapid "a restructuring of the entire personality, sometimes in the direction of greater health, or recovery from drug addiction."[4]
"It is the stuff of fantasy for clients and psychotherapists alike. In the course of a few pivotal minutes or hours, the person experiences brilliant enlightenment and sweeping reintegration that not only last, but continue to grow for decades to come. The person remembers the moment of transformation vividly and gratefully for the rest of his/her life. It is the watershed event around which life is remembered as before versus after."[5]
Transformation is the direct result of a dramatic Connection Event. This even includes personal insight (archetypes, emotional blockages, trauma), political insights, spiritual insight (nature of Self, relationship to God, etc.), and other "revelations" that lead to a significant shift in the way an individual sees, and exists in, the world.
"W.R. Miller and J. C’de Baca (1994; 2001; Miller, 2004) have characterized these events as Quantum Changes, because there is no apparent gradual transition but more of a jump from oneself to a radically different one. Currently, these have been studied initially in cases where persons have given up alcohol, smoking, heroin, and other addictions as a result of the experience. A well-known example is that of the founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, Bill W., who had a single mystical experience that ended his alcoholism."[6]
The authors note these are some of the changes that may occur
- A positive shift of values and attitudes.
- Ceasing harmful habits.
- Widening of perspectives.
- A change of core assumptions.
- Increase in self discipline.
- Changes in purpose.
- Existential shifts.[7]
Thomas Bien[8] provides advice to psychotherapists on how to encourage quantum change, and how to properly support clients who have them. Bien suggests meditation, journaling, working with dreams as possible avenues.
Martin Bidney [9] recounts the quantum change events of Dostoevsky and Tolstoy, Dostoevsky who was released of all hatred and anger in what we would call a Clearing Experience, and Tolstoy whose experience with a talented peasant boy radically changed his perception of meaning and life (an Awakening Experience)
Andrew Newberg [10] speculates about the neurological rewiring that must occur as an aspect of quantum change. Newberg also notes that meditation practices can create extensive changes in cerebral structures, so there is a precedent for this change.
Footnotes
- ↑ William R. Miller, “The Phenomenon of Quantum Change,” Journal of Clinical Psychology 60, no. 5 (2004): 453–60
- ↑ Janet C’De Baca and Paula Wilbourne, “Quantum Change: Ten Years Later,” Journal of Clinical Psychology, no. 5 (2004): 540.
- ↑ William R. Miller, “The Phenomenon of Quantum Change,” Journal of Clinical Psychology 60, no. 5 (2004)
- ↑ Hastings, Arthur. "William James, Conversion and Rapid, Radical Transformation." Journal of Consciousness Studies 17 11-12 (2010): 116.
- ↑ William R. Miller, “The Phenomenon of Quantum Change,” Journal of Clinical Psychology 60, no. 5 (2004): 453
- ↑ Hastings, Arthur. "William James, Conversion and Rapid, Radical Transformation." Journal of Consciousness Studies 17 11-12 (2010): 117.
- ↑ Hastings, Arthur. "William James, Conversion and Rapid, Radical Transformation." Journal of Consciousness Studies 17 11-12 (2010): 119.
- ↑ Bien, Thomas H. “Quantum Change and Psychotherapy.” Journal of Clinical Psychology, no. 5 (2004): 493.
- ↑ Bidney, Martin. “Epiphany in Autobiography: The Quantum Changes of Dostoevsky and Tolstoy.” Journal of Clinical Psychology 60, no. 5 (May 2004): 471–80.
- ↑ Newberg, Andew. “The Neurobiology of Spiritual Transformation.” In Spiritual Transformation and Healing: Anthropological, Theological, Neuroscientific, and Clinical Perspectives, edited by P Hefner and J Koss-Chioino. Rowman & Littlefield, 200
