Journeying, Trance, and Altered States of ConsciousnessJourneying is how one travels to the Spirit World. Before discussing journeying, however, we need first to discuss ordinary and non-ordinary reality. Ordinary reality is the day-to-day reality that most of us usually inhabit or are aware. It is the reality of the five senses and the left-brain. It is the reality of our jobs, raising children, doing laundry, etc. Non-ordinary reality adds additional dimensions. Non-ordinary reality, perceived by the intuitive mind of the right brain, lies beyond our five senses. Journeying involves moving into or working in non-ordinary reality and is predominantly right-brain work. To journey one first enters into a trance-state or altered state of consciousness. Among the many ways to enter a trance are drumming, drugs, hypnosis, meditation, dance, and dreaming. Additionally, the ceremonies used by many indigenous people—e.g., sweat lodges, vision quests, fire walks—can move one into trance. Drumming is one of the universal methods. I want to discuss it first, and then how to enhance the journeying effect by combining drumming with contemporary hypnosis and neural linguistic programming (NLP), a process I call Hypno-Journeying™. Many shamanic cultures use drumming as a means of entering an altered state of consciousness. The monotonous rhythm of drumming is hypnotic and helps to overcome the linear, analytical thinking of the dominate left-brain. (Click here to listen to a 30-second drumming example.) This drumming rhythm stimulates alpha (around 12 cycles per second) and theta (3-7 cycles per second) brain waves and balances right- and left-brain dominance.i These slower alpha and theta waves are the characteristic of the brain waves seen in long-term meditators while in deep meditation. There are two basic types of journeying. The first type of journeying involves going somewhere. It is a type of out-of-body experience in which one travels out of the body to the Spirit World. Most of the time, but not always, you remain aware of your body, yet are in non-ordinary reality. It is as if you are in both worlds simultaneously. On an intense journey, you may no longer be aware of your body unless you check back with it. This is the classic type of journeying. The second type of journeying involves switching one’s perspective and “stepping into” a trance-state and non-ordinary reality. This is usually a more advanced technique, although some people have a natural talent for doing it. Children do it naturally before we “educate” them out of it. This is the technique I use to consult with my Spiritual Teacher, with my Power Animal, or to view or communicate with spirits that are around me. In this type of journeying, you “open” your consciousness to the Spirit Dimension (move into an altered state of consciousness and non-ordinary reality). After years of journeying, I can best describe this “opening” as a switch in perspective. It is as if you have been looking at something from only one direction, then you move slightly and realize (and can see) a whole new side or dimension. It is similar to going from a two-dimensional view of an object to a three-dimensional view—very dramatic. You do not actually have to “go” anywhere when you make this switch (adjustment) in perspective. You can do it right now where you are. Functionally, journeying helps you to make this switch by going somewhere—i.e., to one of the three Spirit Worlds. Entering a trance-state is a process in which one can go deeper and deeper into the trance. Visualizing or experiencing oneself going down a tunnel or going up through the air, and the accompanying sensations, helps to deepen the trance. This deepening is straightforward when one is journeying to the Upper or Lower Worlds, but a little more challenging (sometimes) when one is journeying to the Middle World (see Spirit Worlds). It is recommended that to begin your journey work, you first find your Power Place using my Hypno-Journeying™ technique. This technique also utilizes Neural Linguistic Programming (NLP) to create an anchor so that you may easily return to your Power Place. In the Hypno-Journeying™ approach, your Power Place becomes your doorway to the Spirit World. From this safe place you will be able to journey out to meet your Power Animal and Teachers. Then later, starting from your Power Place, you will be able to journey to the three Spirit Worlds themselves. You will also be encouraged to return from your journeying through your Power Place, especially any journeys to the Lower World. Returning from your journeying involves returning first to your Power Place and then back to ordinary reality. Do your journey-work in a quite, safe place with dim lighting. Reclining is the best position. You want a place where you will not be disturbed, and one where you feel safe. Remember that in all journeying your spirit body is very malleable: it can change shapes, become liquid, light, air, or energy. It can change to an animal or plant, something called “shape-sifting”. Just as your physical, corporal body is only energy and information, your spirit body is energy and information, but unhindered by physical constraints. Information is just the organization of energy. Like your dream body, your spirit body can fly, go through solids, and be underwater. It can shrink or expand. So you should relax and be flexible, be creative. You also have tremendous creative power in the Spirit Worlds. Need a pair of sunglasses? No problem, just create them. Want one of your Spirit Guides to be present? Just ask. |
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