A holistic paradigm that asserts there is one interconnected realityof which we are all a part and can all be aware invites exploration ofthe role of dissociative processes in our search for transcendence andwholeness. This studywas conducted to ascertain the properties andexperience of “directed dissociation,” one construct on the Spectrumof Dissociation developed by the author. Directed dissociationcategorizes dissociative phenomena that are intentionally produced anddirected, including certain out-of-body experiences. In-depthinterviews with eight individuals representing four original nationalitiesand a variety of professions were conducted to explore the ability toproduce dissociative states repeatedly; the mechanics of creating,directing, terminating, and integrating such states; and their effecton life. Commonalities were found in each area and a progressivetendency within the nonpathological end of the Spectrum of Dissociation was indicated. Similarities were apparent betweenMaslow’sselfactualizing individuals and those who participated in this study.
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