Non-ordinary states are altered states of consciousness that unlock a heightened, transcendent range of capacities. They are threshold states that blur the boundaries of traditional dualistic categories such as ‘self’ and ‘other’ or ‘here’ and ‘there’ and alter the neural chemistry, physiology and the theta rhythm wave form so that the user experiences enhanced creativity, empathy, perception, learning and healing. Non-ordinary states have been essential components of shamanic and spiritual practices throughout history, and have been harnessed in recent decades through spiritual technologies such as yoga, psychedelic drugs, hypnosis and holistic medicine.

See also: altered state, flow state, peak experience, psychedelic experience, rapture ideology