Can profound spiritual experiences be intentionally cultivated?
Throughout history, people have described extraordinary spiritual experiences characterized by feelings of profound connection, unity, sacredness, and encounters with the divine. These experiences are sometimes described as mystical experiences, peak spiritual experiences, or sacred encounters. Research suggests that such experiences can have lasting effects on how people understand themselves, their spirituality, and the world around them.
But do these experiences have to happen spontaneously, or can we intentionally create conditions that make them more likely to occur?
Researchers at Baylor University’s Mind-Body Medicine Research Laboratory are investigating this question through an innovative research study called The Science of Sacred Experience.
About the Study
With support from the Templeton World Charity Foundation, our research team is investigating whether a guided psychological procedure called Guided Invocation for Mystical Experience (GIME) can facilitate profound spiritual experiences and promote psychological well-being and spiritual growth.
GIME combines elements of clinical hypnosis, guided imagery, contemplative practices, and immersive music to create an environment conducive to meaningful spiritual experiences.
Unlike approaches that rely on psychedelic substances, GIME is a non-pharmacological procedure that does not involve medications or drugs.
Our research seeks to better understand the nature of these experiences, identify factors that contribute to their occurrence, and explore whether they can lead to meaningful changes in people’s lives.
Who Can Participate?
We are currently seeking Christian adults in the Waco area who are interested in exploring their spirituality and contributing to scientific research.
Potential participants should:
- Be 18 years of age or older.
- Identify as Christian.
- Have an interest in exploring or deepening their spiritual experiences.
- Be willing to attend an in-person research session at Baylor University in Waco, Texas.
- Be willing to complete research questionnaires and follow-up assessments.
Additional eligibility criteria apply and will be assessed through an initial screening questionnaire.
No previous experience with hypnosis, meditation, or mystical experiences is required.
What Does Participation Involve?
Individuals who qualify for the study will be invited to participate in a structured research experience at Baylor University’s Mind-Body Medicine Research Laboratory.
Participation includes:
1. Initial Screening and Assessment
Interested individuals begin by completing an online screening questionnaire to determine their eligibility. Eligible participants will receive additional information about the study and the opportunity to provide informed consent.
2. Guided Spiritual Experience Session
Participants will attend an in-person session at our research laboratory. During this session, a trained research team member will guide participants through the GIME procedure.
The experience takes place in a comfortable, quiet environment and incorporates immersive music, relaxation, guided imagery, and hypnotic suggestions designed to facilitate profound spiritual experiences.
3. Reflection and Integration
Following the experience, participants will have opportunities to reflect on their experience and explore its personal significance.
Some participants will also complete structured activities designed to help them reflect on and integrate their experiences into everyday life.
4. Follow-Up Assessments
Participants will complete questionnaires throughout the study to help researchers understand their experiences and evaluate potential changes in psychological well-being, spirituality, and personal growth.
Participation is voluntary, and individuals may withdraw at any time.
Why Participate?
By participating in this study, you will contribute to scientific research exploring the relationship between spiritual experiences, psychological well-being, and human flourishing.
You will also have an opportunity to engage in a unique guided experience designed to explore the potential for profound spiritual connection.
Although meaningful spiritual experiences may occur, they are not guaranteed, and the study is designed to investigate whether and under what circumstances these experiences arise.
Interested in Participating?
Take the First Step Toward Exploring the Science of Sacred Experience
If you are a Christian adult living in the Waco area and are interested in participating, we invite you to complete our brief online eligibility questionnaire.
CLICK HERE TO SEE IF YOU QUALIFY
Completing the questionnaire does not obligate you to participate in the study.
Study Location: Mind-Body Medicine Research Laboratory, Baylor University, Waco, Texas
Research Institution: Baylor University
Funding: Templeton World Charity Foundation
This is a scientific research study investigating spiritual experiences. It is not a religious service, and participation does not require adherence to any particular Christian denomination.