Altered Consciousness Is A Many Splendored Thing

Contrary to the notion that altering our ordinary state of consciousness
necessarily produces delusional beliefs and is generally deleterious, various
findings in psychology and other disciplines suggest that 1) the ordinary state
of consciousness does not provide an accurate mapping of reality and 2) alterations
of consciousness can have various positive functions. Among the
most important ones are to: a) mildly alter our consciousness to be more effective
at our tasks, b) obtain greater pleasure than we can achieve ordinarily, 3)
explore nonfactual possibilities that may be actualized through creative ways,
4) enhance the sense of meaningfulness in life and enhance psychological and
medical healing, and 5) obtain valid knowledge to comprehend better ourselves
and perhaps the universe at large.