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.

We all know that out of all of the ways to alter consciousness, meditation is one of the most powerful. It can put you into an altered and peaceful state. In this walking/staring meditation, designed to bring forth your creative juices toward a task, you begin by walking near the water or in nature. As you walk, you consciously feel yourself at one with the water, a leaf, a blade of grass, etc. etc.

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.

The next thing to do is to take a seat. Hopefully it will be near the water. You then want to feel every sensation- the feel of the grass in on your legs, the smell of the water, and the sounds of the crickets. Be totally there and in the moment as you practice mindfulness.

When you feel a deep peace and oneness you can get up and make your way back to a place where there is a blank wall. It may be outside your house or inside- as long as it is peaceful and quiet. You will now need a recorder, sketch pad, or notebook and you will simply stare at the wall, not trying to do or be anything, and be ‘at one’ with it. Just as you were outside.

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.

And this is always a good thing.