Exploring Consciousness: Our Only Hope

By Wes Annac, Editor, Karma Yoga Daily

Anyone who pays attention to what’s happening in the world will see a lot of hatred. It’s enough to make us wonder why humanity is so worked up and if we can reverse our course before we destroy ourselves. I think we can, but the solution will make most people uncomfortable.

Our only hope is to explore alternate states of consciousness.

When I say, “alternate states”, some readers probably think of psychedelic drugs. Psychedelics can induce an undeniably powerful spiritual experience, but for now, let’s talk about the alternate states you can induce naturally via activities like meditation that are good for the brain.

If you’re not looking for an alternate state that’s too overwhelming but you still need to calm your mind, meditation is perfect. When done consistently, it provides a light, balanced introduction to the “other side” without the overwhelm and anxiety psychedelics can cause.

Meditation is great for helping with mood problems that stem from an overactive mind. Most importantly, it can help you open your heart. This is what the world needs, and this is why alternate states are important.

Some believe we are on the precipice of a new era in human consciousness – particularly, in the way we explore our consciousness and interact with each other. Depending on where you look, you’ll either think this is true or misguided wishful thinking.

People are indeed waking up and discovering that this world we’ve built is amazing in many ways but deeply disturbed in many others. They see how backwards our society is, and they can’t understand how others are still falling for the tricks of a system that keeps us subservient.

Despite this, the same old drama repeats itself every few years as if it’s on a cycle. It seems like nobody has learned anything from the thousands of blood-soaked years that got us here, as most of us are still fighting and killing each other as humans have always done.

We show no respect for ourselves, each other, or the creatures we share this planet with; not to mention the planet itself. How could we be undergoing a shift in consciousness when so little has changed?

I used to have a lot of big ideas about what this shift entails. At one point, I thought a glorious spiritual ascension would sweep the world, enlighten everyone, and allow us to create heaven on Earth. Now, I think this shift comes in cycles but is nevertheless our responsibility to initiate. The only evidence we will see of it is that which we create.

Nothing can happen without our participation, and the first step is to gently introduce ourselves to alternate states on a global scale.

Again, for those who are uncomfortable with using psychedelic teacher plants, meditation is a great start. It is not overwhelming or even very powerful. You determine its power by how often you practice it. This, I believe, is the first step to initiating the kind of global consciousness shift we can measure and point to as proof that something real is happening.

I believe it is, but we could miss the opportunity if we don’t explore the states of consciousness that give us a glimpse beyond our reality. The world needs the feelings of love and unity these states provide. Without them, we’ll keep killing each other and missing our greatest opportunity for enlightenment.

About the author:

I’m a twenty-something writer & blogger with an interest in spirituality, the environment, activism, music, and other awesome stuff. I run Karma Yoga Daily, a news blog dedicated to sharing daily wisdom.