AN OVERVIEW OF CHANGES IN CONSCIOUSNESS

Consciousness is a type of behaviour, a feat of evolution, controlled by the brain and considered a biological phenomenon.

Different states occur such as dreaming, hallucinating, hypnosis, meditation, and spiritual experiences.

Brain chemistry can also be altered when under anesthetics and cause hallucinations under drugs like LSD often termed “acid”.

Yoga has grown in popularity for its calming and soothing effects, alters levels of distress increasing beneficial chemicals known as endorphins, though not considered to have much change in consciousness as against deep meditation; a spiritual state not accepted by some of the world’s religions. Yoga can play a role in memory and awareness and play a role in preventing mental illness.

Meditation reduces negativity and almost as though the frontal cortex of the brain  “goes offline”, this increasing self-awareness, tolerance of the surrounding world, and some feeling an orientation in pace and time.

Considering consciousness in animals, when very aware of the external environment – killing is said to be for their wellbeing in terms of food and protection of offspring, mammals in particular, some birds and even the octopus have displayed changes in consciousness as something resounds within themselves.

A fascinating area of consciousness is that within plants.

Science has concluded that plants can make memories, despite not having a nervous system but some levels of intelligence.

Trees in particular communicate via underground cob-like networks around their roots and can signal potential threats.

Mushrooms have unexpected intelligence and can remember their first stressful experience for up to 12 hours. The content of this week’s article makes one wonder how artificial intelligence will influence the animal and plant kingdom,  something to be considered in a future blog!