Imagination, Creativity and Spirituality; Altered States of Consciousness in Childhood

Abstract

As a child I have vivid memories related to my own experiences that I now describe as transpersonal. These occurred, particularly when I was utilizing my imagination and creative ability. I wish to examine how these altered states manifested in me as a child and their significance in my life. I will explore the effect of these experiences on my sense of spirituality and creativity. Because the physical manifestation of this behavior was perceived as socially inappropriate I replaced what I now see as creative altered state experiences with eating in adolescence. I will explore both Eastern and Western interpretations of this behavior and experience, and then undertake analytic and interpretive activity related to these experiences.. I will explore the effect of a person who as a child experienced responses of discouragement and invalidation about my altered states. I will perform intellectual analysis and investigate literature related to altered states of consciousness and their relation to emotional and spiritual well-being. I hope to have a better understanding of what an altered state can potentially do for an individual. I also hope that my research will provide information about altered states for counsellors. I will discuss these topics in relation to neurosis and addiction. I will explore the theoretical underpinnings of the transpersonal and the association between my altered states, creativity and spirituality.