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The Expanding Map of Mental States

By Randy Salars

An ever-growing knowledge hub focused on what it feels like

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Mind Expansion Techniques

Breathwork and meditation protocols for mental clarity — 66-page guide + 8 audio sessions.

The Expanding Map of Mental States

What it feels like: Phenomenology, transitions, thresholds

This is a living document. It grows by small fragments and never feels complete.


Focused Absorption

Actively unfolding

Focused absorption refers to a concentrated mental state characterized by single-pointed attention and reduced peripheral awareness.

It is generally associated with what it feels like practices.

The precise boundaries remain under investigation.

See also: breath-counting · body-scanning


Equanimity

Partially mapped

Equanimity refers to a balanced mental state characterized by even-minded acceptance regardless of pleasant or unpleasant conditions.

It is generally associated with what it feels like practices.

The precise boundaries remain under investigation.

See also: breath-counting · body-scanning


Rapture

Under investigation

Rapture refers to an intensely pleasurable mental state often arising during deep concentration, characterized by waves of bliss.

It is generally associated with what it feels like practices.

The precise boundaries remain under investigation.

See also: breath-counting · body-scanning


Luminosity

Fragmentary

Luminosity refers to a quality of awareness itself appearing as inner brightness or clarity independent of visual perception.

It is generally associated with what it feels like practices.

The precise boundaries remain under investigation.

See also: breath-counting · body-scanning


Stillness

Actively unfolding

Stillness refers to a tranquil mental state characterized by reduced mental activity and profound inner quietude.

It is generally associated with what it feels like practices.

The precise boundaries remain under investigation.

See also: breath-counting · body-scanning


Pre-Verbal Knowing

Under investigation

Pre-verbal knowing refers to a direct apprehension that precedes conceptual elaboration.

It is generally associated with what it feels like practices.

The precise boundaries remain under investigation.

See also: breath-counting · npnasati · meditation-experience


Serenity

Under investigation

Serenity refers to a settled mental state characterized by profound calm and contentment.

It is generally associated with what it feels like practices.

The precise boundaries remain under investigation.

See also: breath-counting · npnasati · meditation-experience


Dissolution

Under investigation

Dissolution refers to a progressive softening of subject-object distinctions.

It is generally associated with what it feels like practices.

The precise boundaries remain under investigation.

See also: breath-counting · npnasati · meditation-experience


Boundlessness

Under investigation

Boundlessness refers to an expansive mental state characterized by dissolution of perceived spatial limits.

It is generally associated with what it feels like practices.

The precise boundaries remain under investigation.

See also: breath-counting · npnasati · meditation-experience


Spaciousness

Under investigation

Spaciousness refers to a quality of awareness characterized by open, uncluttered mental space.

It is generally associated with what it feels like practices.

The precise boundaries remain under investigation.

See also: breath-counting · npnasati · meditation-experience


Unity

Fragmentary

Unity refers to a non-dual experience characterized by apparent merger with surroundings.

It is generally associated with what it feels like practices.

The precise boundaries remain under investigation.

See also: breath-counting · npnasati · meditation-experience


Clarity

Fragmentary

Clarity refers to a quality of perception characterized by unusual vividness and detail.

It is generally associated with what it feels like practices.

The precise boundaries remain under investigation.

See also: breath-counting · npnasati · meditation-experience


Status: Incomplete by design.

Last updated: 2026-08-20 | Entries: 12

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