Final answer:
Meditation is a mental exercise intended to focus attention and achieve a trance-like state. It involves a series of steps such as finding a quiet environment, repeating a mantra, and focusing on positive thoughts, and can be used for therapeutic purposes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mental Exercises to Achieve Altered States of Consciousness
The mental series of exercises described is most closely aligned with the practice of meditation. Meditation involves sitting upright in a comfortable position, finding a quiet environment, closing your eyes, repeating a mantra, and focusing on positive thoughts. These steps are intended to help individuals achieve a trance-like state of relaxed awareness and focus. Unlike hypnosis, which typically involves another person guiding you into a hypnotic state, meditation can be performed solo, where you clear your mind to attain relaxation and heightened awareness. Both practices involve altering the state of consciousness and can be used for various therapeutic purposes.
According to research, cognitive processes like learning may be positively affected by engaging in meditation or hypnosis. Meditation in particular, and especially the variation known as mindfulness meditation, has gained popularity and involves focusing one's attention on internal processes or an external object. These practices are not just modern but hark back to traditions found in many cultures, where altering states of consciousness is part of spiritual rituals and performances.