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 during this meditation, you want to avoid labels such as good/bad, clean/dirty etc. The idea is to feel at one with ‘all of it.’ So if you come across a wad of gum or beer bottle do not put any negative labels on then. Just pass by them with peace, knowing that they are part of the universe too.

After that you want to sit in a quiet place, preferably near the water. You want to feel every sensation, the sounds, the smells and the sights. Be in the moment and in the now and practice mindfulness. Let your peace come and reside in you.

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.

Pretty soon you will feel a curious sensation. The universe will begin to work through you. It will not feel as if you yourself are working, but rather as if you are channelling some other power. If you feel yourself starting to ‘work’ go back to staring at the wall and finding your oneness with it.

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.

I hope you will too.