In this ordinary but profound mind-state, our brainwave activity and our biochemistry shift. Our moods and cognition change. We wander in and out of altered states all through the day, as a matter of course. Sometimes it's not a conscious choice, and we drive past our exit on the highway. At best, the altered state is a state of relaxed focus, a kind of calm but energized alertness, a highly functional form of focused reverie.
Attention is concentrated on one thing or on a very narrow band of things.
As this happens, we find we have a heightened sensitivity to the object of our attention, and a decreased awareness of other things going on around us, things we would ordinarily notice. We are so engrossed, we lose track of time or don't hear people talking to us. The altered state is the power cell of guided imagery. When we have a sense of being in control, that, in and of itself, can help us to feel better and do better . Feeling in control is associated with higher optimism, self esteem, and ability to tolerate pain, ambiguity and stress.