Final answer:
starvation and sleep loss because Native American vision quests involved deliberate practices of starvation and sleep loss to induce altered states of consciousness, enhancing spiritual sensitivity and facilitating profound connections with the spiritual realm.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Native American practice of "vision quests" involved engaging in a combination of starvation and sleep loss. This was a deliberate effort to initiate an altered state of consciousness, allowing individuals to connect with the spiritual realm and gain insights through visions. The process of intentionally depriving oneself of food and sleep was believed to heighten awareness, sensitivity, and receptivity to the messages from the spiritual world.
During a vision quest, individuals would undergo a period of fasting, abstaining from food to induce a state of physical and mental purification. This act of self-denial was thought to make the mind more attuned to the spiritual realm. Simultaneously, sleep deprivation played a crucial role, as it was believed that staying awake for extended periods enhanced the likelihood of experiencing profound visions and receiving guidance from the spirit world.
The combination of starvation and sleep loss was not merely a physical challenge but a ritualistic practice deeply rooted in the belief that sacrificing these basic needs could lead to a heightened state of consciousness, enabling a more profound connection with the divine. Through this transformative experience, individuals sought guidance, self-discovery, and a deeper understanding of their purpose within the Native American spiritual framework.