Weekly Hypnotic Digest #38

Altered States of Consciousness

I've enjoyed altered states of consciousness for as long as I can remember. When I was a little kid, I loved spinning until I fell down and saw the world still spinning around me. I'd push on my closed eyelids and notice all of the different patterns that would appear, and I'd also get on all fours from time to time and walk backwards and upside down just to see the world from an alternate perspective. I've also been a lifelong dreamer- like actual dreams, when I'm sleeping, and have memories from dreams from my entire life as if they happened in my conscious, waking state.

When I got older, around 16 years old, I started experimenting with drugs and alcohol (I am now over 5 years stone cold sober), but I was essentially open to trying anything that would alter my reality. From weed, to mushrooms and acid, all the way to DMT- I was all in. At that time in my life I was young and dumb, unaware of the fact that I wanted to escape my then current messed up reality- but I was aware of the fact that it felt very natural and normal to desire to be in an altered state.

In fact, it's human nature to desire to be in an altered state of consciousness. Our brains are wired to seek novelty and pleasure. We seek out and desire to feel euphoria, relaxation and transcendence. Throughout human evolution, altered states have helped us adapt by reducing stress, enhancing our creativity and even aiding in our capability to problem solve. Almost every culture throughout history has sought out altered states for spiritual, religious, or shamanic purposes. We crave feelings that bypass our everyday, mundane reality. And when we experience these altered states, we often feel connected to something greater than ourselves.

Don't get confused here- I'm not endorsing drug use, but I am fully endorsing experiencing altered states of consciousness. I'm sure I'm not the only one here that has experienced transcendent states through more natural sources.

I often feel it while meditating. I've had visions when receiving massage or Reiki, or giving one or the other. I've had downloads during yoga and psychic readings. I've felt transcendence during sound baths, and while just being present. I've always been drawn to exploring the mind beyond ordinary perception, so it makes total sense that I've found purpose in my work as a hypnotherapist.

Hypnosis is one of the natural sources for entering an altered state of consciousness. And it not only allows you to enter and experience an altered state- it allows you to purposefully reprogram your subconscious mind to align with your conscious desires, dreams and goals. It's a tool for growth, and a way to experience life beyond it's ordinary constraints. You not only reap the benefits of achieving your goals in hypnotherapy- you get to experience an altered state of consciousness- without any side effects or hangover, I might add.

I'm curious- what are your thoughts on, or experiences with altered states of consciousness? Send me an email, I'd love to hear your perspective.

With Love,

Julia Viola Sokol

Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist