" An altered state of consciousness simply means any state of awareness that is different from our normal waking state. When we daydream or dream at night, we are in an altered state. We can also get into an altered state by using meditations, hypnosis and exercises like jogging or yoga. Using drugs or alcohol can also produce an altered state, but in a less healthy way. "

― Susan Gregg , The Complete Idiot's Guide to Short Meditations: Meditations to Quiet Your Mind and Soothe Your Soul