If you could I would still like you to try to describe the altered states and cognitive distortions you mentioned, either here or in a PM. Even if I might not understand the context behind your descriptions I would at least like to hear them, especially given my recent experience.

What forms of meditation do you practice? What are your techniques?

How long have you been practicing meditation, how often do you meditate and how long do your sessions last?

What altered states have you experienced? Could you describe them in detail?

What do you think of DavidM's post? Do the four states of consciousness he mentioned seem familiar to you? How much truth do you think there is to his articles?

How has meditation affected your life? What are your ultimate goals with meditation? Are you close to reaching them?

I am a university student who's interested in working on AGI and understanding how the mind works. I have respect for people who can view things in a detatched and rational way and remain calm even in the face of questioning their most deeply-held beliefs. We have to seek the truth and be thankful when we find it, even if the answer we get isn't always the answer we want.

I am a long-time lurker and I feel Less Wrong has already positively affected me in a number of ways, maybe I can contribute now.