Quote:
Originally Posted by Valkyrie  How is this addressed by those with experiences? |
Responding to the whole post, btw.
What do you have to lose by considering these things as possible? Not considering them as definitely true, just a place of neutral openness? What do you have to gain by keeping your existing perspective?
I think studies showing how certain regions of the brain can produce spiritual-like experiences doesn't negate the potential for authentic spiritual experience. It could be the intangible/metaphysical is reflected in the physical through those parts lighting up.
Then again, I also think the subtle signs of metaphysical experience are no less real just because they are not often as loud as the density of the physical. And I don't think they are any less real just because existing instruments don't tend to measure them very well or at all. I just have never really felt like I was being my best self when I adopted that type of attitude, it was not a good fit for me. But for some, for what they have chosen to experience here, it is perfect for them. Maybe this is exactly the attitude you have chosen for yourself.
I prefer to be allowing about this sort of thing... if you are hoping to hear convincing arguments, I may not be the best person for that as I do not feel like I have a job to convince people about these things... I just share what I have come to understand about it.
Oh, and yeah I have had experiences - in waking consciousness, without drugs in my system. I had what might qualify as an experience earlier in this discussion when I happened to start sharing information that did not originate in my own individual mind. That energy wanted me to continue but I wanted to respect your chosen focus here. I did that in an entirely sane state of being, though, and not under hypnosis (I don't even go into a trance to communicate or have things communicated through me). And most of the experiences that happen in waking life, without drugs, are only subjectively meaningful... it is often not a booming voice in the sky that everyone else hears too. The vibrations involved seem to be finer, so it seems to be less about booming voices.
I do sometimes notice how a more right-brained approach seems to make these things easier. It is like the right hemisphere is naturally more inclined to notice connection. And the left hemisphere seems more naturally prone to create disconnection.