States of Consciousness Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

States of Consciousness - Research Paper Example While altered states of consciousness are generally associated with drug use, they also involve meditation and hypnosis. This essay presents a thorough research on these aspects of consciousness. Meditation Meditation is understood as the mode of inducing a specific state of consciousness to achieve a mental benefit. While meditation has a connotation as being a somewhat mystical or new age like experience, in reality it is an ancient practice that has been shown to have positive mental health benefits. In the previous few decades meditation has gradually gained acceptance in the Western world with increasing numbers of individuals and medical practitioners practicing some form of meditation. In terms of medical research, a plethora of studies have examined the physical and mental effects of meditation on human consciousness. In these regards studies have found tangible evidence demonstrating that meditation impacts changes in metabolism, blood pressure, brain activation, and other b odily processes, as well as being implemented in a number of means for stress, pain, and anxiety reduction (Newberg & Iversen, 2003). While meditation has been demonstrated to have beneficial mental effects, what actually constitutes meditation or a meditative state is defined differently among researchers. Wood, Wood & Boyd (2009, pg. 167) understand meditation as, â€Å"a group of techniques that involve focusing attention on an object, a word, one’s breathing, or one’s body movements in an effort to block out all distractions, to enhance well-being, and enact an altered state of consciousness.† This approach to meditation is that which is generally most recognized among Western medical practitioners and psychological professionals. This understanding is oftentimes augmented by an increased emphasis on the attention of the meditator, with Goleman (1988) stating, â€Å"the need for the meditator to retrain his attention, whether through concentration or mindfu lness, is the single invariant ingredient in... every meditation system.† Other researchers have identified the Eastern connotations of the term and recognize its contextual significance within a number of religious or spiritual practices. In these regards, meditation functions to achieve a sort of spiritual enlightenment or transcendence. In terms of Western implementations of meditation there are a variety of practices and corresponding medical research. One of the most prominent meditation practices in the United States is mindfulness based meditation. While influenced by ancient meditative traditions, mindfulness based meditation was popularized in the United States through the work of Jon Kabat-Zinn at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center. This form of meditation is greatly influenced by Eastern traditions, most specifically Buddhism, in that it emphasizes non-judgmental self-awareness. This approach has been articulated as a, â€Å"form of naturalistic observa tion, or participant-observation, in which the objects of observation are the perceptible mental phenomena that normally arise during waking consciousness" (Grossman, Niemann, Schmidt & Walach). Much research has been conducted on this form of meditation with many studies indicating that mindfulness based meditation has beneficial effects on stress and anxiety. In addition, it has also been

Soundscapes in which Music operates in a Worship Setting Essay

Soundscapes in which Music operates in a Worship Setting - Essay Example The "Tao Meditation", is used to convey the worshiper into a deeper and more peaceful state of worship and spiritual growth. The music is focused in soft Tibetan sounds, with wind chimes, gongs, bells and gentle natural sounds to convey a deeper sense of inner peace and a desire to enter into the inner reaches of ones spirituality. The covey of the simple music allows for the worshiper to find a peaceful oasis of relaxation and stress relief from the business of life, to tap into the inner energies of spiritual awareness and silence. The setting, that I experienced was a simple room, lots of natural light where the worshipers like myself sit in simple seating set in a semi circle, with a screen at the opening of the circle that provided the features that impact upon the sight sensory experience. The leadership by a competence alternative worship leader gently brought one into a sensory but spiritual experience. The significance of the experience is the fulfillment of the inner spirit ual finding release in the gentle art of meditation. There was no specifically set ritual, just a simple group desire to come together to enjoy and experience a deeper and more meaningful spirituality. The ritual if any; or indeed order, was the gentle leading of the group by the leader into the peaceful state of meditation. ... The leadership by a competence alternative worship leader gently brought one into a sensory but spiritual experience. The significance of the experience is the fulfillment of the inner spiritual finding release in the gentle art of meditation. There was no specifically set ritual, just a simple group desire to come together to enjoy and experience a deeper and more meaningful spirituality. The ritual if any; or indeed order, was the gentle leading of the group by the leader into the peaceful state of meditation. Gently listening to the noises and sounds of the music and visualizing the scenes being shown on the screen, before us, invoked this. The meditation allowed each of group of worshipers to concentrate on their own personal spiritual journey and belief structure. The simplicity of the meditation enacted a sense of restfulness, peace and an inner desire to enjoin with the God force or life force within each of us. This was drawn out by viewing the many simple and colorful shapes that were sometimes floated, phased in and out on the screen before us then melting into the distance of the landscape on the screen. The group were able to discuss the experience after its conclusion in a facilitated discussion led by the worship leader. Many of the participants were able to explain that it allowed them to tune into the higher self or as some put it, the "God force" within us. What I enjoyed about the experience was that it allowed one to maintain ones own identity and individuality, without placing formal belief structures and dogmatic systems before the simplicity of simply and gently worshiping and enjoying peace with God. The second experience was completely different in its setting and style. The setting was a Methodist Church, which