Many researchers consider Mystical Experiences as the most potent catalyst for change. In this article you will discover:
- What a mystical experience really is – and why it could be your most powerful tool for deep transformation.
- 8 scientifically documented ways people reach Mystical Experiences
- The safest, natural, legal, and free method to create Mystical Experiences – using nothing but your breath.
The 20 mins Daily Practice That's Changing Lives – SOMA Breath Daily A.D.O.S.E.
In an experiment, Dr. Jeff Tarrant – licensed psychologist and neurofeedback expert – studied the effects of the SOMA Breath Daily A.D.O.S.E. meditation on the brain.
His team focused on the Default Mode Network, the region of the brain tied to ego and self-identity.
What they found was striking: SOMA Breath produced remarkably similar brain activity to psychedelics such as psilocybin and LSD, where the Default Mode Network (the ego) “goes offline”.
This disrupts old patterns of thought and opens new ways of seeing yourself and the world.
Participants reported mystical-type experiences comparable to clinical studies with psilocybin and MDMA.These included unity, ego-dissolution, timelessness, and profound peace.
Dr. Tarrant concluded SOMA Breath may be as potent as psychedelic therapy in addressing challenges like depression, anxiety, and addiction – yet safe, natural, and accessible to anyone.
Yet, what exactly is a mystical experience – and why do researchers see it as the spark of deep, lasting change?
The Mystical Experience.
A mystical experience is a state of profound unity, awe, peace, and timelessness. Psychologists describe it as:
- Ego-dissolution: The feeling of self melting away.
- Oneness: A sense of unity with people, nature, or the universe.
- Timelessness: The disappearance of past and future.
- Ineffability: Difficult to describe with words
These states feel extraordinary in the moment and decades of research show they can spark some of the deepest, longest-lasting transformations in mental, emotional, and even physical health.
Some studies have found benefits still measurable a year after just one mystical experience. Benefits range from relief of depression, anxiety, and PTSD to increases in well-being and life satisfaction.
Why Scientists Turned to Psychedelics
Since the 1950s, researchers have been fascinated by psychedelics because they could reliably trigger mystical experiences in controlled settings.
Compared to other methods, psychedelics gave science what nothing else could:
- Controllability: Exact dosage and timing.
- Reliability: A high percentage of people, with the right dosage, had mystical-type experiences.
- Efficiency: No years of training required or complex equipment needed
Those who've experimented with them often reported breakthroughs unlike anything they had ever experienced.
Many even call psychedelic therapy a new paradigm in mental health care.
For many, it became central to clinical trials for depression, anxiety, addiction, and PTSD
However, psychedelics aren't for everyone. They can be destabilizing, unsafe, and remain illegal in most places.
So, are there other ways to trigger mystical experiences without substances?
Scientifically Documented Ways to Reach Mystical Experiences
1. Meditation and Contemplative Practice
Decades of neuroimaging studies show that deep meditation can reliably induce mystical experiences.
- Practitioners report timelessness, ego-dissolution, and unity.
- Brain scans reveal reduced activity in the Default Mode Network (DMN), linked to the “quieting” of the ego.
Reliability: High. However, it typically requires years of practice or monastic training.
2. Prayer and Devotional States
Intense devotional prayer has been linked to profound mystical encounters, sometimes described as “union with God.”
- Johns Hopkins surveys found that non-drug religious encounters produced experiences as meaningful as psychedelic ones.
Reliability: Medium. Powerful for some, but less predictable and takes a long time
3. Emerging Virtual Reality Peak States
New VR technologies like “Isness” have shown promise in creating measurable mystical states.
- In controlled studies, participants reported unity and self-transcendence.
- Some even scored comparably to psychedelic sessions on mystical-experience questionnaires.
Reliability: Promising, but still experimental and requires the equipment itself. Game console + headsets which can cost thousands.
4. Near-Death Experiences (NDEs)
During cardiac arrest or trauma, many people report classic mystical features: light, oneness, timelessness, ineffability.
- Research shows strong overlap between NDEs and mystical experiences.
Reliability: Very low. Occurs only in life-threatening situations and we really DO NOT recommend it.
5. Spontaneous Spiritual Awakenings
Sometimes, people report sudden mystical states without warning, often triggered by stress, trauma, or “out of nowhere.”
- These can be transformative but also destabilizing.
Reliability: Low. Unpredictable and not trainable.
6. Extreme Environments
Mystical states are occasionally triggered in survival contexts: combat, high-altitude climbing, childbirth, or extreme sports.
- Documented to produce feelings of unity or transcendence
Reliability: Very low. Dependent on danger, not safe to pursue deliberately. We DO NOT recommend it unless you're a professional at your extreme sport.
7. Psychedelics
Psychedelics became the “best shortcut” because they allow researchers to control the dose, reliably induce the experience, and observe lasting changes.
- Documented to produce feelings of unity or transcendence
Reliability: Very High. However, not for everyone and illegal in some cases.
8. SOMA Breath
This is a full holistic method based on a unique blend of ancient pranayama breathwork, cutting-edge music technology, an advanced form of NLP called Neurosomatic Programming, and what many scientists consider to be the biggest breakthrough in medical treatment in recent years, intermittent hypoxia. In 2025, Cambridge University published a study which showed SOMA Breath to be as effective as a single dose of psilocybin and MDMA in creating mystical experiences. (Read more about Cambridge's Study here >>)
- Documented to produce feelings of unity or transcendence
Reliability: Very High. All you need is headphones or a speaker and a comfortable space.
How Does SOMA Breath Create Mystical Experiences?
SOMA Breath uses rhythmic breathing, breath holds, humming, and vocal toning to shift the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your body. This triggers natural “feel-good” chemicals like dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins.
The result is a natural high, deep calm, or even ecstatic states that feel similar to psychedelics… all created with your breath.
Guided visualizations and affirmations help reprogram negative beliefs and release emotional blocks.
Combined with the breath, this creates a process called Neurosomatic Programming – where the release and reprogramming go beyond the conscious mind, deep into the nervous system and the body's innate intelligence (the “SOMA”).
Many people report emotional release, spiritual insights, and even “divine downloads.”
Scientific studies have shown SOMA Breath shifts brain activity in ways similar to psychedelics, with participants experiencing more happiness, less stress, feelings of unity, and powerful spiritual states.
For decades, health professionals have considered psychedelic therapy the most potent method because it reliably triggers Mystical Experiences.
These experiences are the spark and signal of deep, lasting change. Now there's evidence suggesting SOMA Breath can do the same naturally.
Is SOMA Breath the most potent form of therapy?
At its core, SOMA Breath teaches you to control your breath – so you can control your mind, emotions, and energy. It's a natural, safe way to feel bliss, heal trauma, and create lasting positive change.
Why SOMA Breath Is a Breakthrough for Therapists, Coaches, Healers, and anyone exploring transformation
SOMA Breath is:
- Safe
- Natural
- Accessible anywhere. Even at home, for free
Today, thousands of people practice SOMA Breath daily and report life-changing results, including:
- Reversing chronic health conditions
- Healing from trauma and PTSD
- Relieving anxiety and stress
- Unlocking new levels of energy and creativity
- Accelerating natural healing
We've also received thousands of testimonials confirming these benefits. (Find some of them here >>)
Download the SOMA Breath App & Experience The Power For Yourself!
Start small and stay consistent.
We won't promise your entire life will change in 20 minutes…
…but you may feel a peace inside you haven't felt in years.
And when you keep practicing, you may be surprised at the changes that come along in your life.
Welcome to the next step in the evolution of wellness.
Peace
Niraj & SOMA Breath Team
