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Field of Research

Exceptional Experiences and Altered States of Consciousness

Exceptional Experiences (ExE)

ExE have always been part of the spectrum of human experiences and are known in all cultures. The spectrum of exceptional experiences is wide and ranges from classic paranormal experiences such as telepathy, clairvoyance, ghostly apparitions, premonitions of death or poltergeist phenomena to synchronistic experiences, out-of-body experiences, UFO sightings or sleep paralysis. There are also reports of near-death ExE experiences. Two classic and multifaceted examples of this are near-death experiences and terminal mental lucidity. Depending on the tradition of thought and ideological background, ExE are described with terms such as supernatural, extrasensory, magical, paranormal, spiritual, transcendental, transpersonal, etc. ExE often occur spontaneously, i.e. unexpectedly and without a recognizable cause. Furthermore, there are externally induced ExE, which occur after contact with healers, mediums, clairvoyants or the use of offers from the so-called esoteric scene. Many people rate their ExE positively and are able to integrate it well into their world view. The biographical integration of exceptional experiences does not always run smoothly. Under certain circumstances, insecurities and fears can be triggered that require help and advice.

Altered States of Consciousness

ExE often occur in the context of altered states of consciousness, such as dreaming, during flow experiences, during spiritual unity experiences in nature, induced by meditation, Floatation-REST or under the influence of psychedelics. These altered states of consciousness can either occur spontaneously or be specifically induced by psychological or pharmacological procedures. Research is dedicated to both the subjective side, the characteristic features of the states, as well as the neuronal correlates, which is important for understanding the connection between mind and matter.

Main Research Areas

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Mann steht auf Fels und schau über Wolken zu Sonne

Phenomenology of Exceptional Experiences

What are the characteristics of exceptional experiences? How can they be categorized?
Sanduhr

Time Perception and Time Consciousness

The exploration of subjective time enables a better understanding of human consciousness.
Transparent erscheinender Meditierender mit farbigem Gehirn im Schneidersitz vor einem MRT

Altered States of Consciousness – Meditation Research

Working group at the Bender Institute of Neuroimaging (BION) at the University of Giessen
Frau im Tunnel mit Licht am Ende

Phenomena Near Death

How can various phenomena near death be explained scientifically?
Floating Tank in blauem Licht

Floatation-REST

We investigate altered states of consciousness and moods caused by Floatation-REST.
Frau schreibt in Tagebuch

Biographical Integration of Exceptional Experiences

How are extraordinary experiences integrated biographically?
Meditierender vor lilafarbenem Sternenhimmel

Meditation

Effects of meditation on experience and the brain
Gemälde Albmahr

Sleep Paralysis

Studies on the individual interpretation and biographical integration of sleep paralysis experiences
Beitragsbild Schamanismus und

Shamanism and Neo-Shamanism

Studies on the reception of shamanism in Western societies