Changing your state DRASTICALLY

[Nelson]

To put it simply I am very open to altered states of conciousness as I find them to be very powrful learning experiences. I have tried or at least attempted all natural ways I have heard of (meditation, lucid dreaming, brain wave technology, exercise) and many synthetic ones. Natural attempts seem to pale in comparison to synthetic ones, is there any way to drastically alter your state of mind naturally that you all know about? I know there must be a way because I can clearly remeber a day when I was thinking in the right manner and after a meditation series I felt absolutely incredible and clear, as if everything in life had gained new meaning and a sense of euphoria overwhelmed me. In the article Steve wrote called Levels of Conciousness I feel it was along the lines of the Joy level. I want to know if anyone has succesfully attained this state ona daily basis and how they do it.

[starkey]

By "synthetic means", do you mean drugs?

[pi11]

I am not sure what you mean by synthetic means; But I was able to reach amazing heights by following my path of philosophy (specifically metaphysics). The state lasted for a long time. Its hard for me to tell how long it was because I was too happy and content to notice the time passing. I did not have to work at being at that state. It came naturally.

Although since then I have lost that state and I only get glimpses of it now. I suppose I was doing something to maintain it. These days I wander in search for that state. I intend to find it again, set up base camp, and move further.

[Twelve]

Yes it is totally possible to attain that state on a daily basis. For me it was my way of life for almost two years. All it required was an an absolute focus on Truth and the courage to follow in the way I was guided. I eventually fell off this path because I was afraid I would not be able to survive living that life and I became concerned by how I was being viewed by my friends and family.
So I want to tell you that there's definitely a way, but its not something anyone can show you more than a hint of. Because it's your way. And it's your decision to follow the way you know is right.

[taylor]

Nelson, if you're interested may I recommend that you read a book or two by David R. Hawkins, the creator of the 'level of consciousness' scale? Just look on Amazon.com for The Eye of The I, or I: Reality and Subjectivity. After reading these books and attempting to experience the levels directly, I have been able to go into very pleasant states momentarily and yet it is easier each time, and this is without constant contemplative practice as he advises. The perfection and innate innocence of life are so obvious at times, and crying is not uncommon anymore.

The natural ones are usually less potent than synthetic forms of altered consciousness, but the problem with synthetic is that they are temporary and 'external.' If you can master the natural forms, like contemplation, meditation, or uncondtional love, they can be your permanent state and not different from your true identity. Imagine staying in Joy continuously. It can be done. It just takes so much dedication to master them. The key is not having spurts of spiritual practice, but having a constant spiritual direction and tool that wears away obstacles.

For example the mystic Nisargadatta Maharaj said he just focused on the sense of 'I Am' constantly, sitting for hours at a time focusing on his true nature, which eventually brought upon love and peace. In 3 years he was enlightened. David Hawkins said his dedication was to unconditional forgiveness and gentleness towards all of life without exception. Then he let began to let go of all desires, including the desire to think, and he became enlightened.

I hope any of that helps Nelson. I wish you the best.

[Gazzali]

Originally Posted by Nelson

To put it simply I am very open to altered states of conciousness as I find them to be very powrful learning experiences. I have tried or at least attempted all natural ways I have heard of (meditation, lucid dreaming, brain wave technology, exercise) and many synthetic ones. Natural attempts seem to pale in comparison to synthetic ones, is there any way to drastically alter your state of mind naturally that you all know about? I know there must be a way because I can clearly remeber a day when I was thinking in the right manner and after a meditation series I felt absolutely incredible and clear, as if everything in life had gained new meaning and a sense of euphoria overwhelmed me. In the article Steve wrote called Levels of Conciousness I feel it was along the lines of the Joy level. I want to know if anyone has succesfully attained this state ona daily basis and how they do it.

Our state is like stock exchange - ups and downs but it can only be managed by our goals and achievement in life.

[Trezker]

Originally Posted by taylor

Nelson, if you're interested may I recommend that you read a book or two by David R. Hawkins, the creator of the 'level of consciousness' scale? Just look on Amazon.com for The Eye of The I, or I: Reality and Subjectivity. After reading these books and attempting to experience the levels directly, I have been able to go into very pleasant states momentarily and yet it is easier each time, and this is without constant contemplative practice as he advises. The perfection and innate innocence of life are so obvious at times, and crying is not uncommon anymore.

The natural ones are usually less potent than synthetic forms of altered consciousness, but the problem with synthetic is that they are temporary and 'external.' If you can master the natural forms, like contemplation, meditation, or uncondtional love, they can be your permanent state and not different from your true identity. Imagine staying in Joy continuously. It can be done. It just takes so much dedication to master them. The key is not having spurts of spiritual practice, but having a constant spiritual direction and tool that wears away obstacles.

For example the mystic Nisargadatta Maharaj said he just focused on the sense of 'I Am' constantly, sitting for hours at a time focusing on his true nature, which eventually brought upon love and peace. In 3 years he was enlightened. David Hawkins said his dedication was to unconditional forgiveness and gentleness towards all of life without exception. Then he let began to let go of all desires, including the desire to think, and he became enlightened.

I hope any of that helps Nelson. I wish you the best.

Seconded, I haven't read that book though.
Natural state change is more powerful and lasting, it just takes more effort and time to achieve.