In a message dated 4/6/02 12:55:42 PM Pacific Daylight Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:


> What is dissociation?
>

Dissociation is a psychological and physiological state when the conscious
(Beta wave) mind becomes detached from the body.  Usually this occurs when
the person leaves the Beta wave state and goes into an Alpha Theta State
(trance or meditation).

It also can happen as a protective mechanism during and after traumatic
incidences.  For instance the majority of multiple personalities (multiple
dissociations) occur in individuals who have been brutalized as very young
children.

There are individuals who have control over this state of mind they are
called trance mediums (Western Africa) and Shaman (various cultures all over
the world).

Often in these preliterate cultures a young person will experience a
dissociated state and consider it a call to become a shaman (one who works
purposely in the dream state).  In  the Greenland Eskimo this state may be
brought about by low thyroid (extreme cold and long nights of darkness).
Among the Ecuadorian Jivaro, who have the greatest number of shaman per
population (1 in 4) the shaman-to-be is initiated with a highly toxic
hallucingen (Bantiopsis tree).  An anthropologist took the initiation some
years ago and forgot how to read and write for a year. (Book - The Way of the
Shaman).

We live in a culture that idealizes the Beta (Work Work Work) state, that
allows for a little recreational mild Alpha State (movies, alcohol, church)
and is disgusted by the Alpha/Theta state (dreaming and deep sleep).  Have
you ever read any glowing stories about  a person who slept 8 hours a night.
The heros only seem to need 2 hours a night and a nap.

Most of us are not conscious of how our brains work or how to work them but
we do experience and must experience all three states of consciousness on a
regular basis to survive.

Gail K



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