Is the Concept of Ways to Alter Consciousness a New Idea?

Posted by Lorelei

May 24, 2008

by Lorelei

When we talk about the concept of altering consciousness, what do we actually mean? Do we mean improving our memory? Is it increasing our IQ or improving our sleep? Are we discussing becoming psychic or clairvoyant, or reaching a deeper meditation state? Or do we simply want to be able to stop yelling at our children? Now as I see it, altering consciousness is all of this and much, much more. It is shifting the very way we think, see the world, live our lives, and exist on this planet.

If all of this is sounding very new-agey, that’s because it is.

When we speak of ways to alter consciousness a lot of people think of things like Echart Tolle’s book A NEW EARTH, or the movie THE SECRET. Some people think of yoga mediation, and Buddhism. Others think of a life-altering course called The Landmark Forum. Still others reach deep into their various religions and spiritual leanings to come up with quotes such as “Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you” and “There but for the grace of God go I.”

But as I personally think about this I suddenly realize… the desire to alter consciousness is not so new after all.

As a race, humans have desired to alter their consciousness for eons now. And we’ve had some great ideas. We’ve had the idea of living in peace and harmony with others. We’ve thought it would be great to have tolerance for others, good judgment, and a love for all. We’ve longed to help people instead of hurt them. We have actually contemplated what it would be like if all beings lived their lives in joy, happiness, and with a high level of life fulfillment. We’ve pondered a world where everyone on the planet was fed, clothed, and educated.

Honestly, altering consciousness is not such a new idea. So what is suddenly so all- fired important about it? Why does the idea of altering consciousness hit the media like an atom bomb and spread like wildfire? Here is my profound belief. Suddenly the whole idea of a new world order has become a possibility. We as a human race are actually ready to begin to try this idea out. We don’t say it’s probable. We don’t say it’s assured… but we do say- like the frenzied Gene Wilder in the movie Young Frankenstein- “THIS COULD WORK.” And such a thought has never occurred in the minds of so many masses of people, until now.

Now here is what none of us is sure of- will kill ourselves of, or will we become this possibility of a whole new world?

I’m an optimist at heart and choose to believe we will. So as these articles progress, I will speak more about various ways to alter consciousness in the direction I believe humanity is longing to go. Some are time honored, tried and true practices that take some work. Others, such as brain entrainment, are new on the evolutionary scale, and relatively easy to employ. Stay tuned as we explore all of these practices in more depth. And as the yogis say, Namaste.

About the Author:

For more ways to improve your life and raise awareness, visit these blogs by well-known author and spokesperson Lorelei F waystoalterconsciousness howdoesreikiwork

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