Higher Levels of Consciousness

We defined a discrete state of consciousness for a given individual as a unique configuration or system of psychological structures. The parts or aspects of the mind we can distinguish are arranged in a certain kind of pattern or system. There is always some variation in the exact way our mind functions at any moment, but one of these overall patterns can persist for some time and remain recognizably the same. There is an overall feel or taste to the pattern of a state. 

The structures operative within a discrete state of consciousness make up a system whose parts stabilize each other s functioning by means of feedback control, so that the state maintains its overall pattern of functioning in spite of some changes in the environment. Yet when certain key environmental stimuli come along, the pattern can break down and be replaced by another, as when some personal remark causes a transition from one identity state to another. 

A state is an altered state if it is discretely different from some baseline we want to compare things with. Since we usually take ordinary waking consciousness as our standard of comparison, a state like nocturnal dreaming is thus an altered state. Other well-known examples of altered states are the hypnotic state, states induced by psychoactive drugs such as alcohol, states centered on strong emotions such as rage, panic, depression, and elation, and states induced by meditative practices. 

We commonly speak about our ordinary state of consciousness as if it were one. Given our discussions of identity states, we now can see that ordinary consciousness is a collection of identity states. Since most identity states function within the allowable limits of consensus consciousness, they are not recognized as altered states in the way some obviously 

Since 1 originally introduced this definition of states of consciousness as part of my attempts to legitimize the study of altered states within the scientific community, this value-free approach was necessary. Many scientists believe science should not deal with values, aa this will distort objectivity. This is true in many instances, but becomes a dangerous half truth when it is interpreted to mean we should never deal with emotions or values in any way. 

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Parikh describes how, by repeatedly witnessing yourself, you can go beyond - transcend - your ego. You are thus able to operate from a higher level of consciousness or self. 

CK in liquid or gas form is highly irritating to the eyes and upper respiratory tract. Inside the body, it converts to hydrogen cyanide, which inactivates certain enzyme systems that prevent cells from utilizing oxygen. Impacted skin may appear flushed. Low levels of exposure often cause weakness, headache, disorientation, nausea, and vomiting. Higher levels of exposure will result in loss of consciousness, terminate respiration, and cause death within 15 minutes. An immediate lethal dose often causes violent contractions of blood vessels accompanied by severe shock. This reaction may cause death prior to asphyxiation.1 ... 

Acute adverse effects seen after phenytoin administration usually result from overdosage. They are generally characterized by nystagmus, ataxia, vertigo, and diplopia (cerebellovestibular dysfunction). Higher doses lead to altered levels of consciousness and cognitive changes. 

Animals that ingest thyroid extract are at risk for thyroid toxicity. Signs of toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, tachycardia, tachypnea, a decreased level of consciousness, and restlessness. Animal preparations frequently have higher concentrations that human preparations do. 

Side effects include confusion and ataxia with cardiorespiratory depression and a reduced level of consciousness at higher doses. 

The fundamental concept of AL is emergence, or the appearance of higher-level properties and behaviors of a system that - while obviously originating from the collective dynamics of that system s components - are neither to be found in nor are directly deducible from the lower-level properties of that system. Emergent properties are properties of the whole that are not possessed by any of the individual parts making up that whole an air molecule is not a tornado and a neuron is not conscious. 

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