Roberta Pughe Speaking at the 2025 IRAS Conference

Spiritual Experience: A Scientific, Philosophical and Theological Retreat  ​  
Star Island, NH

In recent decades we have seen an increase in scientific, philosophical and theological research focused on the processes involved in “spiritual” transformation. This has generated a more comprehensive science-based understanding, including physical, psychological and substance-induced approaches that promote intentional opening to spiritual experience. There is evidence that we have a spiritual core (central and innermost) biologically wired into us that is normally “outside of awareness,” that there are ways to open and engage that core and that when people open to that awareness, they often describe the experience as mystical or numinous.
We invite everyone — educators, ministers, civic leaders — in addition to scientists, philosophers, theologians and people who are simply interested — to discuss and explore those experiences, which appear to be linked to creativity, vitality, a feeling of wholeness, a sense of meaning and purpose, awe and wonder, unity and communion with others, including connection to the earth and its diverse inhabitants. Aspects of spiritual consciousness may also foster healing from trauma. Spiritual transformation might even be defined as a falling in love, as it encourages a comprehensive agape for the world, ourselves, others and life itself.
This conference will provide participants with opportunities to:

1. Develop an understanding of the scientific research on spiritual experiences.
2. Investigate theological/philosophical implications of this research
3. Explore personal life experiences that they might consider “spiritual” — and why.
4. Share stories of these experiences with others, and explore why this sharing can make a difference in deepening personal relationships, our purpose and our work to create a better world.
5. Engage in modes of accessing spiritual experience.
6. Identify practices for sustaining these experiences.
7. Brainstorm ways to engage our spiritual core and create expanded possibilities for human and planetary well-being.

Each day will provide opportunities for progressive experience with the possibility of personal transcendence (no substances will be used).