METAREALITY
American Psychologists William Miller and Janet C’deBaca were inspired to investigate the phenomenon they call ‘quantum change,’ since they
had noted with fascination the way some people
experienced sudden changes in values, outlook,
and personality--rather than making the kind of
gradual improvement predicted by classical western psychological theories. Miller and C’deBaca interviewed fifty-five men and women from all different walks of life who reported having experienced
“bolts from the blue” when they suddenly “saw the
light”--sometimes literally.
The type of changes evident in people’s personalities were clear both to experiencers and those
around them. Remarkably, men who’d previously
valued wealth, adventure, achievement and pleasure began valuing spirituality, personal peace,
family, and God’s will. Women’s values changed
from: family, independence, career, and fitting in
to: growth, self-esteem, spirituality and happiness.
Most people reporting quantum change experiences noted they now feel a great deal more peace,
and worry a lot less about ‘the little things’ they
had fretted and sweated about before.
I am especially appreciative of reading the firsthand descriptions of people’s experiences, in
which many men and women reported expe riencing such states of unconditional love of a spiritual
nature at specific times that they still clearly recognize as representing a moment when their life
would never be the same again. One of the most
memorable first-hand accounts is a transcription
of a quantum change experience at the very time
it was happening, when a voice recording was be-
ing made. I loved reading the transcript that shows
in-the-moment exhilaration of experiencing what
had moments earlier been boring expanses of
dusty scenery into great beauty everywhere, and
the summary of the experience as recalled some
time later.
While Quantum Change is not a ‘how to’ book with
exercises designed to help readers learn how to
find profound personal truth and deep meaning, it
can provide tremendous comfort to those who’ve
had remarkable experiences. Such experiences are
not commonly discussed in social chit-chat, nor
even amongst most friends and family members,
so this book can provide validation for people who
discover that what happened to them happens
to lots of other people, too, and can mark the beginning of living a life of greater meaning, joy, and
love.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND QUANTUM CHANGE
FOR ANYONE INTERESTED IN THE PHENOMENON OF INSTANTANEOUS TRANSFORMATION
IN GENERAL, AND EVERYONE INVOLVED IN
COACHING, COUNSELING, PSYCHOLOGY, AND
THERAPY FOR ITS MARVELOUS INSIGHTS AND
INSPIRATIONAL FIRST-HAND ACCOUNTS OF
QUANTUM CHANGE.
Reviewed by Cynthia Sue Larson
While Quantum Change
is not a ‘how to’ book with exercises
designed to help readers learn how to
find profound personal truth and deep
meaning, it can provide tremendous comfort
to those who’ve had remarkable experiences.