Everyday Altered States Create Everyday Altered Traits
Those of us who are avid self explorers often think that we have to wait for a moment in time to experience an altered state, and in that experience we will be able to explore our consciousness, learn and grow.
We think of altered states of consciousness as something far out of reach, reserved for deep meditation, psychedelic journey’s or extreme experiences.
But the truth is, we navigate altered states every single day.
I catch myself in them all the time.
A moment of distraction where I’m immersed in my phone, scrolling endlessly, at mindless gunk on social media.
On the floor in my daughters bedroom in a flow state building a puzzle or laughing hysterically at something her stuffed giraffe said in our imaginative play.
These are both examples of really powerful altered states of consciousness. We just don’t call them that traditionally. But there is so much to learn in these moments.
We have a narrow definition of what an altered state is. And because of that we limit our chance to explore.
Here’s the Merriam-Webster Dictionary definition for ‘altered state’:
Any of various states of awareness (as dreaming sleep, a drug-induced hallucinogenic state, or a trance) that deviate from and are usually clearly demarcated from ordinary waking consciousness.
The challenging thing about language and what makes it beautiful, is that the meaning of our words can evolve.
For the rest of this moment in time together on this beautiful Sunday, I’d like us to imagine this as the new definition.
An altered state of consciousness is any moment when our usual way of perceiving, thinking, and feeling shifts—whether subtly or dramatically—from our default state of mind. These moments are not confined to the extraordinary; they are part of the everyday experience, offering opportunities for self reflection, learning and growth.
We typically think of an altered state as the mind state that is induced by a psychoactive drug, but the type of brain activity that correlates with being high on mushrooms doesn’t just happen when you’re taking drugs.
While we often associate altered states of consciousness with extraordinary experiences, there's a spectrum to these states that we navigate every day, whether we realize it or not.
Scientists and psychologists use something called the Altered States of Consciousness Rating Scale (ASC-RS) [1] to map out these experiences. It helps measure the intensity and characteristics of these states, from feelings of unity and transcendence to shifts in our sensory perceptions.
What’s fascinating is that these altered states aren't just reserved for deep meditation or psychedelic journeys—they can happen in our everyday moments of distraction, creativity, or play.
By recognizing these states for what they are, we open up new opportunities for self-reflection and growth. Every moment, whether on the floor playing with my daughter or lost in thought during a quiet walk, is a chance to explore and learn from the different layers of our consciousness.
“Consciousness exploration is as innate to the human experience as having sex and eating food.”
This exploration isn’t limited to the grand or the mystical—it’s woven into the fabric of our everyday lives through the emotions we feel and the activities we engage in.
What we often overlook is that our emotions are also altered states. Every time we feel anger, joy, anxiety, or calm, we are experiencing a shift in our brain chemicals and our consciousness. These emotional states, just like any other, offer us a gateway to deeper self-understanding.
Activities we engage in daily—whether it's exercise, deep work, or even daydreaming—are all opportunities to tap into different states of mind. They’re more than just passing experiences; they’re moments where our usual way of being is altered, and with that, our perspective is broadened.
If we take the time to reflect before, during, and after these everyday altered states, we can uncover a wealth of wisdom.
These reflections help us understand not just the "what" of our experiences, but the "why" behind them.
Why do we react a certain way to stress?
Why do we feel a surge of creativity during a particular activity?
By asking these questions, we can guide ourselves on a path of continuous self-exploration and personal evolution.
The key is in recognizing these moments for what they are: powerful opportunities to learn, grow, and evolve.
As you move through your day, notice these shifts in your state of mind. Embrace them, explore them, and let them guide you towards a deeper understanding of yourself.
Here’s a tool to help:
Interstitial Journaling: Your Consciousness Companion Tool
Interstitial journaling is typically used to increase productivity by capturing thoughts and reflections between tasks. However, it can also be a powerful tool for gaining deeper insights into your everyday altered states of consciousness.
By journaling during these transitions, you can become more aware of your mental and emotional shifts and use these moments to explore your inner world.
4 Simple Tips:
Pause and Reflect: After experiencing a shift in your state of mind—whether it’s an emotional reaction, a moment of distraction, or a creative burst—take a minute to jot down what you felt and thought.
Capture the Moment: Use simple prompts like “What am I feeling right now?” or “What triggered this shift?” to anchor your reflections in the present.
Connect the Dots: Review your entries periodically to identify patterns in your altered states and how they influence your behaviour and decisions.
Keep a Journal Handy: Keep your journal with you at all times so you can capture these moments in real-time.
Example Scenario: Imagine you’ve just finished a meaningful conversation with a friend that left you feeling unexpectedly emotional. Instead of moving on to your next task or activity, take a moment to journal about how the conversation affected you, what emotions came up, and why you think you felt that way.
This practice helps you process the experience and uncover deeper insights into your emotional landscape and gives you a better understanding of your emotional skills and abilities that you can take with you in similar future situations.
Using interstitial journaling in this way can turn everyday moments into opportunities for empowering self exploration and growth.