The Eagle's Eye Experience

Are you suffering from physical or emotional distress? Do you sometimes wonder how your life fits into the larger scheme of things? Do you ever question the nature of the reality of which you are a part? Do you wish to understand or know more about the meaning and purpose of your life? If so, you may be open to experience a transcendent state of being (e.g. a non-ordinary state of consciousness) that is often described as egoless, formless, boundless in space and time and infinite in awareness and knowing. Modern and ancient wisdom seekers, philosophers, sages, mystics, shamans and many others throughout all of human history have described these experiences and the benefits to be derived from them.

You can experience transcendence through several means: by a life-threatening event, by a dramatic and sudden change of perspective, by systematic meditation practices, by induction through the use of psychedelics, or by trance induced states from rhythmic movements like dancing or chanting and by several other means.  All of these methods allow your mind to settle inward beyond thought and access pure, silent vastly expanded awareness.

 
By whatever means used, the process involves allowing your mind to naturally transcend all normal egoic mental activity, sensations, and perceptions to reach the state of pure awareness, which is often described as a reservoir of unlimited energy, bliss, knowing and intelligence at the source of all thought and experience. 

Transcendent experiences can vary greatly depending on individual beliefs and habits, environment and the specific method used to reach these states. The use of psychedelics, in particular, usually makes it easier to reach these states than by using various meditation techniques, the latter often requiring long periods of training. Psychedelics like psilocybin, LSD, DMT, ayahuasca, and ketamine are known to reliably induce transcendent states under the right conditions, though the exact content and depth of the experience may differ for each person. (Please note that in many government jurisdictions, several of these substances have been classified as illegal - with a major exception being ketamine. This situation is slowly changing as more medical and mental health professionals continue to explore and better understand the benefits with proper use of many of these substances)

People who achieve these transcendent states of being typically experience profound feelings of interconnection, a feeling of Oneness, and unity with the entire cosmos. They often report losing their ordinary sense of self (i.e. ego dissolution), which can be very frightening for first time experiencers. Once beyond ego dissolution, a feeling or sense of eternal and infinite boundlessness of both time and space occurs. They also report feelings of profound peace, joy and bliss. In some cases, they may experience a spiritual or mystical state where the individual feels connected to Divine or Universal Consciousness. These experiences can also include a sense of the sacred, a feeling of complete knowing that is difficult, if not impossible, to put into words upon return to ordinary states of mind.

 
After a transpersonal experience, many people report long lasting changes in personality, values, mental health, and how they see reality, sometimes positive, and sometimes with more difficulty.

There are both long-term positive and sometimes negative after-effects that result from these experiences. In the latter case these affects are usually the results of poor preparation, implementation or integration of the experience.

Common positive after effects

•    Reduced fear of death and a stronger sense that life has meaning or purpose.
•    Increased spirituality or interest in “something larger than myself,” even among people who were previously not religious.
•    More compassion, altruism, and connection to other people and nature; often a shift away from materialism and status as main life goals.
•    Greater appreciation of everyday life, beauty, and simple experiences, sometimes with lasting improvements in mood and wellbeing.
•    A reduction in pain and suffering or significant improvement in how to live with them

Common challenges and negative after effects

•    Existential confusion and difficulty “integrating” what happened, including questions like “What is real?” or “Why am I still here?”.
•    Feeling “between worlds,” isolated, or misunderstood by friends or partners; relationship stress and higher rates of conflict or divorce after the experience.
•    Anxiety, panic, or depersonalization/derealization (feeling detached from self or like the world is unreal), which can persist for months or longer in some psychedelic users.
•    Intrusive memories, “flashbacks,” troubling dreams, or PTSD like symptoms after difficult experiences.

•    Altered perceptions and cognitive distortions, paranoia, an altered sense of self-importance and mistaken perceptions about yourself.

•    The occasioning of mistaken visions and false memories, inflation in non-ordinary states of consciousness, hyper suggestibility or magical thinking.

In a minority of cases, longer term problems such as cognitive confusion, depression, or hallucinogen persistent perception disorder (visual disturbances and flashbacks). Many of these negative effects can be mitigated by:

•    Having a safe, nonjudgmental space to talk about the experience (therapist, spiritual director, support group) tends to ease both growth and distress.
•    For psychedelic experiences, careful attention to dose, setting, and guidance reduces the chance of long-term problems and seems to shorten difficulties if they arise.
•    When symptoms like persistent anxiety, flashbacks, or derealization significantly impair life, trauma informed psychotherapy or clinicians familiar with these experiences are recommended.

Eagle’s Eye is dedicated to providing the best possible transcendent experience for our clients in each of the three major aspects of the experience: preparation, actualization, and integration. We offer trained medical and psychological counseling in each of these three critical areas throughout the entire process.