To explain how a person can alter his or her consciousness by using meditation, you need to have a basic understanding of mental processes.
It is possible to alter your consciousness using certain elements of meditation. By focusing on a single object and clearing your mind of distractions, it is possible to enjoy the benefits of mindfulness meditation.
What Does It Mean to Alter Your Consciousness?
It is one of many mental processes where the human consciousness is aware but not in a wakeful state. In essence, altered consciousness refers to when your levels of awareness are reduced.
This can be achieved through any type of meditation, hypnosis, trance, or dream. Certain psychoactive drugs can also lower your level of awareness and trigger hallucinations.
Altered States of Consciousness (And Ways to Experience This Phenomenon)
Also referred to as ASC, there are a wide array of ways you can experience this sensation. These include but aren’t restricted to:
- Deep sleep mode
- REM sleep
- Euphoria
- Psychoactive drug use
- Components of hypnosis
- Transcendental meditation
Major Factors That Cause an Altered Level of Consciousness
A wide array of factors can trigger an altered state of consciousness or common experiences of ASC. Certain mental illnesses can influence cognitive processes and trigger a subdued level of conscious awareness.
The most common causes of this mental state are:
- Sleep deprivation
- Day-dreaming
- Experiences like panic or sexual euphoria
- The act of childbirth
Possible Benefits of Altering Your Levels of Consciousness
While more studies need to be conducted to learn more about the effect of ASC on human consciousness, there is some evidence that suggests it can improve daily life.
Some benefits of this mode of consciousness include:
- Can be a powerful mood booster and help deal with post-traumatic stress disorder. It can also optimize mental processes.
- Stimulates a parasympathetic response from the body, promoting quality of life and alleviating chronic pain.
- Can be used as an indispensable tool for deep relaxation and healing.
Using Forms of Meditation to Alter Levels of Consciousness
Leveraging transcendental meditation, mindfulness-based stress reduction training, or any other type of meditation practice can greatly improve your daily life.
It is a better channel for manipulating your level of consciousness because it allows you to achieve this feat on your terms.
Unlike psychoactive substances, you can enter ASC without the fear of damaging your brain or developing dissociative disorders.
Using meditation as a channel for changing your mode of consciousness without drugs or a traumatic experience, elements of meditation can help you achieve all of ASC’s benefits with none of the drawbacks.
It also means that you won’t have to practice potentially dangerous exercises like sleep deprivation.
Final Word
Now that you can explain how a person can alter his or her consciousness by using meditation, you are one step closer to regulating your blood pressure and accessing the various stages of sleep without putting yourself at risk.
For a deeper understanding of the benefits of mindfulness meditation, see here.