Final answer:
Natural states of consciousness can be altered by biological drives, psychoactive substances, sleep, and meditation. The brain's ability to anticipate future needs and past social interactions also play a role. Damage to the brain further challenges the natural state of mind, relating to the mind-body problem.
Step-by-step explanation:
Altering Natural States of Consciousness
What prevents or alters this natural state of mind? Such a question touches on the inherent complexity of human consciousness. We know from various observations that the urge to alter consciousness may be a universal drive, akin to basic physiological needs. This drive is apparent even in children who engage in activities like spinning or swinging to experience different sensations. Furthermore, some animals also consume substances like fermented fruit to achieve intoxication, illustrating a natural inclination towards altered states.
Consciousness is subject to change during transitions from wakefulness to sleep and through the influence of psychoactive drugs, meditation, and hypnosis. Social norms, experiences, and expectations shape our minds via neural pathways and templates that function as part of a regulatory system, including allostasis. This anticipatory mechanism prepares our body based on previous encounters and societal interactions.
Challenges to our natural states of mind arise when the brain experiences changes or damages, which can affect the non-physical entity we refer to as the mind, posing the mind-body problem. Additionally, religious or supernatural encounters have been associated with altered states of consciousness, suggesting these experiences cannot be comprehended by ordinary consciousness.
Ultimately, our ability to freely determine actions can be influenced by prior experiences, potentially altering our state of consciousness. In summary, social interactions, physiological changes, and the pursuit of transcendental experiences influence and at times impede the natural state of mind.