The Confessions Of An Inner Space Cadet

In the 1970’s in the USA, especially in Palo Alto, California, if someone was not experimenting in some way with altered states of consciousness and self-awareness they were probably considered silly, perhaps superficial. In 2015, if someone is experimenting with altered states of consciousness, it is likely the general population will consider them to be a bit silly. Times change and cultural values change. If you are someone who has already done such experimenting, this book may not be for you. You already have your own memories of psychoactive chemicals and meditation techniques. But, if the notion of altered states of consciousness is new to you, you might find this book a good primer. My intention in this book is to be both entertaining and instructive. What might you learn from this book? Above all, I think you might come to agree with me that the mind is a wonderful tool … but not such a good place in which to live. There are other choices. Meditation and psychoactive chemicals are both means of escaping the persistent control of the inner dialogue, the concrete mind; in essence, of stepping outside of your everyday mind. Well. You might ask, “What’s the point of venturing out of my mind when I can use that time to make more money?” I totally understand this point of view. I pretty much abandoned pursuing self-awareness during the middle of my life in favor of pursuing money. Probably no one would argue with the idea that having enough money can make ones life more comfortable. But … being comfortable can be different than being happy. Money can buy you a box of chocolates. I believe self-awareness, on the other hand, has the potential to turn your entire life into a box of chocolates. How does it do that? It shows you that you are the box of chocolates.