Concerning altered states of consciousness, (a) describe characteristics of an altered state of consciousness,

Question

(b) describe four everyday situations in which people experience these altered states, and (c) describe the intentional uses and meanings of the altered states within two other
cultures.

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Answer will include that during an altered state of consciousness (ASC) changes occur in the quality and pattern of mental activity. Typically, there are distinct shifts in perceptions, emotions, memories, time sense, thoughts, feelings of self-control, and suggestibility. Most people know when they have experienced an ASC. In fact, heightened self-awareness is an important feature of many ASCs. Some everyday situations in which people experience ASCs are sleep, dreaming, daydreaming, highway hypnotism, high fever, sleep loss, drug intoxication, hyperventilation, and sensory overloads from raves, mosh pits, or a Mardi Gras crowd. All cultures and most religions recognize and accept some alterations of consciousness. Many cultures regard ASCs as a pathway to personal enlightenment. Examples are the sweat lodge ceremony of the Sioux, the meditation practices of Buddhists, Navaho elders drinking peyote tea, and New Zealand Maori priests performing nightlong rituals to communicate with the mythical period the Aborigines call "Dreamtime." The meaning given to these altered states varies greatly from signs of "madness" and "possession" by spirits to life-enhancing breakthroughs. Thus, cultural conditioning greatly affects what altered states we recognize, seek, consider normal, and attain.