Critical listening and altered states

I enjoy reading these posts to observe what must be altered states of many of the responders. 50 plus years ago I took a photography darkroom course. The professor would begin each class by placing someone's work from the previous class for us to view and respond to. However, before this he would have us close our eyes and lead us in meditation while this was going on he posted the picture and we would open our eyes to it and respond. What impressed me was the clarity of thought the image evoked. So meditation before music in a quiet darkened room quiets the mind in preparation for listening.
The other times with my buddies forgetabout critical listening we turn on tune in and drop out lol. That was also in a Moody's song don_c55. Remember Timothy Learys dead no no, he's outside listening.

@dwmaggie 
  Cut the fiberous Core out, and you won't get sick. In my youth, I got sick as the devil the first couple times, then I was told to cut that center core out and went through a moving away gift of about 100+ buttons one summer and never got sick once.

ianB52.....+1, works nicely on omnis...something diff to work while... *G* ;)

...coming to the art theater next to you....

"Summer of The Buttons", an alt fantazy......

It doesn't matter what energy you've wasted on..... ;) 👌

Isn't reality for people who can't face drugs?

I find THC to give a hyper sharp focus. It can also turn on the the illuminated, 3 dimensional inner landscape of visuals, sound, emotions and an ineffable blend of them all, that I would bet many a person doesn't even suspect is there to be experienced. (won't even go into what other substances have to offer) Show me a person with a fearful, negative attitude toward the use of mind altering substances and the exploration they make possible, and I will show you someone who is most likely locked into the consensual dream state of life as the character they learned to be. There is nothing beyond these confines for them. Bless their hearts.

"Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow,
Creeps in this petty pace from day to day,
To the last syllable of recorded time;
And all our yesterdays have lighted fools
The way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle!
Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player,
That struts and frets his hour upon the stage,
And then is heard no more. It is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
Signifying nothing."

“Our normal waking consciousness . . . is but one special type of consciousness, whilst all about it, parted from it by the flimsiest of screens, there lie potential forms of consciousness entirely different." William James

We have just so many breaths allotted to us. In the end, it's just a question of knowing yourself. Get curious if you are not now. Or continue dreaming. Who is there to care?