
Mild Altered States of Consciousness
Subtle Shifts of Mind and Their Therapeutic Potential
- English
- ePUB (mobile friendly)
- Available on iOS & Android
Mild Altered States of Consciousness
Subtle Shifts of Mind and Their Therapeutic Potential
About this book
This book draws on transpersonal anthropology and psychology in order to explore mild altered states of consciousness (ASCs) experienced in everyday life. While research into consciousness and particularly ASCs is growing, this book focuses on a neglected area: 'everyday' experiences of ASCs. Opening with an up-to-date overview of the development of the study of ASCs, the author presents an in-depth empirical exploration and mapping of mild ASCs. Dr Sheppard examines original research conducted in a range of religious and secular contexts with participants who were engaged in activities including prayer, sport, nature conservation, music and musical instrument making, and TV viewing.
The author takes a novel phenomenological approach to the analysis of ASCs, emphasising the subjective experience. The book explores the healing potential of such mild ASCs; the everyday fantasy reality of the interior landscape; and discusses the problem of validity, and belief in the study of ASCs. It will appeal to students and scholars of transpersonal psychology, consciousness studies, social anthropology, and the philosophy of mind.
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Information
Table of contents
- Cover
- Front Matter
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Psychology, Consciousness and ASCs
- 3. Transpersonal PsychologyâWilliam James and Moving Beyond a Materialist Paradigm
- 4. Consciousness and ASCs in the Non-West: Pioneering Studies
- 5. Transpersonal Anthropology
- 6. Everyday Streams of Consciousness: Introduction to Fieldwork
- 7. Hinduism in a UK Temple and Altered State Experience
- 8. The Sacred Lifeworld of a Lubavitch Group
- 9. Sport and Altered States: Secular or Spiritual?
- 10. Tranquil States in a Natural Environment
- 11. A Musical Instrument Making Group and Their Altered States
- 12. Television, Altered States and Fantasy Worlds
- 13. Altered State Experience in Fieldwork: A Summary
- 14. Fantasy Worlds within Altered States of Consciousness
- 15. Altered States and a Sacred Reality
- 16. The Therapeutic Power of Altered States of Consciousness
- 17. Some reflections and a Blessing
- Back Matter