Suggested Activities - Altered States of Consciousness

• Head rolling - rolling of head in a circular manner to induce dizziness. This is an easy technique to induce dizziness as a way of entering a simple state of altered consciousness. A caveat- students with bad backs or necks should not participate. Have students sit comfortably in their seats in a relaxed posture. Ask them to begin slowly to rotate their heads in a counter-clockwise direction. Gradually have them increase the speed of their circular motion until they are rotating their heads very quickly and maintain this for approximately 45-60 seconds. Then, ask them to stop, be still, and observe the effects on their bodies and sense of self. Have students discuss this altered state. Remind them how, as young children, most of us would spin ourselves in a circle until we were quite dizzy and then drop to the ground.
  
• Deep Breathing" - distinguish between shallow and deep breathing - MINDFULNESS - focus on breath, motionless, letting go of thoughts - observing thoughts that intrude, accepting, letting go. A link to deep breathing exercise.
  
• Guided imagery" - close eyes, reading of script to create sensory details of safe place/favorite place.
  
• Discussion of Trance - everyday state when mind drifts on its own - e.g. driving on highway and going past several exits, standing in line at checkout .