🌌 Why Humans Have Always Sought Altered States of Consciousness

From the very beginning of civilization, humans have been searching for moments that feel bigger than ordinary life. Whether through music, meditation, art, ritual, or deep reflection, people across cultures have sought altered states of consciousness — not to escape reality, but to understand it more deeply.

Ancient societies didn’t view these states as strange or dangerous. They were sacred. Moments of expanded awareness were seen as gateways to insight, creativity, healing, and meaning. Even today, we experience mini altered states without realizing it — getting lost in music 🎶, staring into a fire 🔥, or feeling time slow down during a powerful conversation.

What this tells us is simple: curiosity about consciousness is part of being human. We are not content just to exist — we want to experience life from different angles. Psychedelic culture taps into that timeless desire to see the world not just as it is, but as it could be perceived.