Practice Meditation Methods for Inducing an Alternate Awareness State
In the realm of self-awareness and personal growth, an altered state of consciousness has long been sought after. This state, often associated with out-of-body experiences and lucid dreaming, can be achieved through various means, but for many, meditation offers a pure and accessible path.
The human mind is conditioned to think constantly, making it challenging to focus on the inward strengths during meditation. However, this process can be mastered with practice. Some individuals resort to drugs or other dissociative substances to achieve this state, but the purest form of dissociation lies in the meditation process.
Buddhism distinguishes brain activity into doing and knowing functions, and the knowing part is what is utilized during meditation. When done correctly, meditation renews mental energy, heals the mind and body, and helps the mind develop new ways of handling daily stressors.
For beginners, the journey towards an altered state of consciousness begins with mindfulness of breath. Sit comfortably and focus your attention on your natural breathing without trying to change it. Notice the subtle sensations of the breath as it flows in and out of your body. When your mind wanders, gently bring your attention back to the breath. This stabilizes your mind and prepares it for deeper states.
Another technique is visualization with chakra energy. Imagine your subtle energy body overlapping your physical one. Visualize a column of chakras (energy centers) from the base of your spine to your crown and your third eye between your eyebrows. Sense energy and light rising through each chakra, activating colors and sensations, moving upward to your crown chakra where your personal identity begins to dissolve into a timeless emptiness. Then, allow this light to descend to your third eye, resting in stillness and the experience of unity between self and the surrounding world.
Mantra repetition is another effective method. Choose a simple mantra that feels comfortable (like “Om” or “So’ham”). Sit comfortably, close your eyes, and silently repeat the mantra. Whenever thoughts distract you, gently return your focus to the mantra. This can help your mind move beyond normal discursiveness to a quieter or “switched off” mental state.
Practice regularly and without force. True altered states often arise spontaneously through relaxed, patient practice without forcing concentration or results. Experimentation and consistent practice help identify what works personally. Professional guidance, such as from certified TM teachers, can be useful.
In summary, beginners can initiate altered states by combining focused breath awareness, chakra energy visualization, and mantra repetition, practiced with patience and gentle attention. These steps help transition from ordinary consciousness into expanded states characterized by stillness, unity, and altered perception.
Remember, there is no such thing as good or bad meditation. Anyone can meditate to achieve an altered state of consciousness if they allow their brain's activity to go beyond what is perceived as normal. So, take a deep breath, find a quiet space, and embark on this transformative journey.
- To deepen one's meditation practice and eventually achieve an altered state of consciousness, it's essential to approach the process with patience and openness, rather than forcing concentration or results.
- By incorporating techniques such as focused breath awareness, chakra energy visualization, and mantra repetition, meditation can aid in transitioning from ordinary consciousness into expanded states characterized by stillness, unity, and altered perceptions, thereby promoting personal growth and self-awareness.
