3. In what ways are meditation and hypnosis similar? In what ways are they diff erent? Our examination of states of consciousness has ranged widely. It focuses both on natural factors such as sleep, dreaming, and daydreaming and on more intentional modes of altering consciousness, including hypnosis, meditation, and drugs. As we consider why people seek to alter their consciousness, we need to refl ect on the uses and abuses of the various consciousnessaltering strategies in which people engage.

Return briefl y to the case of Lynn Blakes.