I recently came across a new tool for my toolbox of ways to alter consciousness, and I will tell you about it. I give credit for this to my good friend Martin, and in case you are reading, Martin, let me know if I get it right.

It is well-known that meditation is one of the most effective ways to alter consciousness. This particular meditation begins with walking near the water or in nature and feeling your oneness as you walk with a leaf, a pine cone, a bug, a rock, etc. etc. It is designed to enhance creativity by achieving a state of ‘universal oneness.’

Now in this meditation you try to be ‘at one’ with all of it. That means beer bottles, soda cans, wads of gum. Do not attach negative labels or such as dirty or bad to any of it. Just keep your peace with all that is inside of our universe, and if negative thoughts go, allow them to float away out of your consciousness.

After that you want to sit in a quiet place, preferably near the water. You want to feel every sensation, the sounds, the smells and the sights. Be in the moment and in the now and practice mindfulness. Let your peace come and reside in you.

Then keeping this same feeling, walk back to a place where you can stare at the wall. It may be your room, the outside wall of your house, a building wall etc. At this point you should have your sketch pad, your recorder, or your notebook handy. Now keeping your newfound oneness, stare at the wall. Do no try to do it or be it, or figure it out. Be at one with the wall and allow yourself to be a channel for the universe.

Soon the universe will begin to work through you. Write, record, or sketch. Don’t let your brain take over. If you feel your oneness slipping away, go back to staring and being at one with the wall.

When I experimented with this meditation in my search for more ways to alter consciousness, I found a new depth to my work, and a peacefulness in doing it.

I hope you will too.