What are natural altered states of consciousness?
Short Answer
Natural altered states are consciousness changes that occur through biological processes like sleep, dreaming, meditation, fasting, sensory deprivation, or intense physical activity.
Why This Matters
These states emerge because the brain's default neural networks shift their activity patterns in response to physiological or environmental changes. Sleep cycles demonstrate how consciousness naturally oscillates between different levels of awareness and memory consolidation. Meditation and fasting trigger neurochemical changes that alter perception and self-awareness by modifying neurotransmitter levels and brain wave patterns.
Where This Changes
The boundaries blur when natural states are deliberately induced through specific techniques like breathwork or extreme physical exertion. Some conditions like narcolepsy or epilepsy can cause involuntary altered states that exist between natural and pathological categories.