Often when we are stuck in problem mode, we can only see our challenge from one perspective. A good coach often challenges her client to find another perspective until the client feels free enough to choose and integrate another, more workable, solution(s).
In order to find a healing perspective, we may choose to utilize a multi-state discipline to help us find our way. These disciplines may include meditation (in all of its forms), drumming, connecting with nature, guided imagery, art, lucid dreaming, prayer, massage, conscious love-making, dancing, chanting, yoga, or even service to others.
In the West, many of the disciplines we turn to to heal utilize a single state of consciousness, namely waking consciousness. However, in Paths Beyond Ego: The Transpersonal Vision, edited by Walsh and Vaughan, we are reminded that “multi-state cultures accord more attention and value to states such as dreams and contemplation, and therefore derive significant parts of their worldview from multiple states. Examples of such multi-state enterprises include shamanic tribal cultures, Buddhist psychology, and Taoist Philosophy.”
