Meditation can lead us into some extraordinary states of consciousness—moments of stillness, spaciousness, or bliss that feel like a doorway has opened inside us. These states can be deeply nourishing, offering glimpses of something beyond the ordinary mind. But over time, even these expansive experiences can start to feel familiar. When meditation begins to drop us into the same place again and again, it’s worth asking: Are these states actually transforming us, or simply soothing us?

In this episode, Craig explores the difference between altered states and true awakening—and why confusing the two can quietly limit our growth. Through three focused segments, he examines how certain meditative states can subtly distract us from the deeper aim of practice, and how we can shift our orientation to stay more fully awake within each moment.

To access the full transcript of this episode and discover more resources, visit the episode page on MeditationChangesEverything.com. You can also sign up here for Craig’s weekly newsletter.

For a deeper experience of Craig’s approach to meditation, consider joining our Awakened Life membership program which offers in-depth guidance, a meditation workshop, and a live online retreat with Craig. Register today to receive your first month for 50% off at AwakenedLifeMembership.com.

If you’re interested in exploring more of Craig’s meditation experiments, you’re invited to tune in to a 90-minute online workshop Craig will be hosting called Meditation 2.0 – The Miracle of Direct Awakening. Register for free at FreeMeditationWorkshop.com.

The Trap of Tranquility: Breaking Free from Trance States in Meditation