Hallucinating with Hypnagogic Imagery

by Andrew Gannon  - August 29, 2009

 

So, are you looking for a free way to experience an altered state of consciousness? Well, if you are, then here is a simple but highly effective technique to use. This technique works best if you are a little sleepy but can also be effective if you follow progressive muscle relaxation. Start out by lying in your bed with your head propped in a comfortable position. Being propped provides a slight sense of discomfort that one needs in order for this exercise to work. You can start at your feet and work your way the top of your head or start at the top of your head and work your way down to your feet. Tense each muscle for about 5 seconds then release (feet, calves, thighs, stomach, chest, arms, back, neck, face, jaw, and crown). It helps if you synchronize your breath with the tensing and releasing which means as you tense up inhale and as you release exhale.

After you feel fairly relaxed, start breathing deeply. Breathing can be varied although one finds that deep breaths through and out the nostrils are the most effective. You can also do inhales through the nose and out through the mouth, whatever feels best for you. The goal of this exercise is to reach a liminal state between sleeping and waking. The difficulty is maintaining this state before falling completely asleep. Having an intention to stay slightly aware helps solve this problem. This state of consciousness can provide vivid hypnagogic imagery and profound insights. It is best to keep a notebook or voice recorder by your bed in order to recall anything you might receive during this state.

Anyone who wants to explore the mind should try to use this technique because it creates a bridge to the unconscious. The unconscious is an unlimited source of information which can provide valuable material on your life path. Like in dreams one can also receive messages from the collective mind. In essence, this exercise provides fresh dreamlike images. Like with dreams, it is beneficial if you interpret these images in some way. Also if you are an artist, these images can be used for creative purposes.

If you do not have instant results, don’t worry or give up. Reaching this state between sleeping and waking takes practice and intention. At first, you might only catch glimpses of this imagery then fall right asleep. Hopefully over time, you will be able to hold on to this delicate state and absorb fresh imagery and insights from the unconscious.

So far my experience with this exercise has been slightly disturbing but very powerful. The unconscious has unlimited possibilities. This area of the mind is capable of producing visions of angels and heavenly glory or demonic presences of evil. One is to keep in mind that this is essentially all being produced by your own mind. This mind consists of your consciousness, your personal unconscious, and the collective unconscious. Do not be scared, just be prepared and this will help you continue to develop yourself psychologically. Being able to face these forces and integrate them into consciousness will aid in your consciousness evolution.