Altered states
Consciousness
idea
What happens to the brain during consciousness-ending meditation?
Psychologists are studying a form of meditation known as ‘nirodha-samāpatti’ that reportedly ceases all mental function
by Shayla Love
Sleep and dreams
idea
Five ways to take control of your dreams
Lucid dreaming lets you shape your dreamscape, whether your aims are practical or fantastical. These tips can get you started
by Christian Jarrett
Altered states
film
An odyssey into the Parisian night reflects the allure and anxieties of cities
Directed by Adrien Mérigeau
Change and self-development
idea
Personal transformation can start with a whisper, not a bang
To understand personal transformation, we should listen to the incessant whispers in our stream of consciousness
by Jennifer Windt
Transcendent experience
idea
Your consciousness has been completely transformed. Now what?
Awakening experiences are spiritual states often believed to unlock life’s mysteries – but sacred knowledge comes at a cost
by Kevin Berryman
Music
film
Enter an operatic world of prismatic imagery and vivid emotion
Directed by James Darrah and Adam Larsen
Psychedelic-assisted therapy
idea
If you want psychedelic healing, your ego may need to die
What do we know about the role of ‘ego death’ and other transformative experiences in psychedelic therapies?
by Natasha Mason, Athena Demertzi & Johannes G Ramaekers
Psychosis and schizophrenia
idea
Psychosis can be a personal hell. It can also inspire growth
From a new sense of purpose to improved relationships, there are hopeful signs of post-traumatic growth after psychosis
by Gerald Jordan, Robyn Thomas & Veenu Gupta
Altered states
film
What’s it like to meet aliens? A wild collage of surreal encounters
A film by Paul Vester