Preliminary exploration of an altered state of consciousness: the hyperalert-hyperreal state.
Anthony Edward D'aguanno
ScholarWorks@UMassAmherst July 29, 2020 DOI: 10.7275/jtep-4c02 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Altered states of consciousness |
| Key points | The author reports that he and a friend, without drugs or mechanical triggers, were simultaneously overtaken by an intense altered state marked by hyperalertness, vivid perceptual clarity, a flow of energy, and ecstasy, which they experienced as radically different from ordinary waking consciousness. The author interprets the episode as an 'extraordinary' experience and questions whether they had died. |
Abstract
Beginning in the fall of 1969, I went through a number of experiences v/hich I can only term "extraordinary". These are notes taken shortly after the first incident: A state of hyperalertness . Occurred with one other person. It was experienced as an immersion into a fantastic flow of energy and a manner of perceiving which made the "meanings" of all perceptions secondary to the direct perceptions; all objects were seen in a startling clarity. The directness of every object was felt with fantastic impact. The difference between this state and the normal waking state was as different as is dream- consciousness from normal waking consciousness. It was if we hcd been perceiving the world as a two- dimensional painting our entire lives previous to this. Now the painting had become three- dimensional and we could move about in it . . . . Without drugs (neither of us had taken any hallucinogenic drugs at any time prior to this experience) or mechanical triggering devices of any sort, a friend and I had been simultaneously overtaken by a form of consciousness so powerful, we seriously questioned whether or not we had died. Occurring instantaneously, the state was experienced motorically as a jolt of energy, perceptually as a 'clearing' of vision, and affectively as total ecstasy.