Altered States

Altered states are mental conditions different from normal waking consciousness, often induced by factors like sleep deprivation, meditation, intense emotions, or substances such as drugs. In these states, perception, awareness, and thought processes can change significantly, leading to unique experiences like vivid imagery, hallucinations, or a sense of detachment from reality. They provide insight into how our brain constructs reality and can be used for exploration, therapy, or creative inspiration. While some altered states are naturally occurring, others require intentional techniques or substances to induce.