Closed Eyed Visuals (CEV)

[csharpprogrammer]

SWIM would like to know if there is a difference between closed eyed visuals and an open eyed visual in complete darkness?

[Nagognog2]

Complete darkness is something the vast majority of people have never actually experienced. Going deep underground in a cave qualifies as complete darkness (been there), and the feeling one gets is unforgettable - and then the mind tries playing connect-the-dots with complete blackness. This with no nefarious substances on board.

I'd have to say no, it didn't matter if your eyes were open or not. The mind hates a vacuum.

[Riconoen {UGC}]

yep, there is noidifference. if there is no light to reflect into your eyes it's the same as having them closed.

[geezaman]

one of the strangest experiences SWIM has ever had was not sleeping for over 60 hours and then sitting in the shower without the light off and the edges of the door taped up. It was completely dark (SWIMs bathroom has no window). Then wearing very effective ear plugs to block out as much sound as possible. OEVs (but effectively CEVs) were amazing, ranging from a blue cloud of mist that would change shape of its own accord to mental images to intricate patterns, The tactile sense was even more intense if SWIM thought about it not to had the water falling on he could be convinced was something like maggots. SWIM is just glad he does not find himself easily freaked out, because it could have quite easily happened.

[London_Bloke]

If you get a chance and want to check out a movie that explores the theme of sensory deprivation and hallucinogenic use, look for "Altered States" (1980) starring William Hurt and directed by Ken Russell. Both the film and the novel were written by Paddy Chayefsky.

[Nagognog2]

Oh Badness! That movie, and the book, has to be one of the most atrocious pieces of bat-guano ever put out! I mean really! The so-called scientist takes some strange Native drug in a sensory-deprivation tank (that looked like something Houdini escaped from) and turns into a flesh-eating monkey. Attacks animals in a zoo. Has a bad trip about his dead father. And such mystical phrases as: "That's not some damn serotonin inhibitor we're taking about!" are uttered.

When first approached by someone to read this literary migraine, Bongo was sitting in a coffee shop in Harvard Square, Cambridge, Mass in the Fall of 1978. The group was discussing MMDA and the methods that could be used to describe it's basic psychological benefits in therapy. Suddenly a young woman walked over and asked if we knew how dangerous the research being talked about truly was. All eyes fell upon her and she was asked what she was speaking about. She reached into an enormous purse and produced a paperback copy of Altered States and dumped it on the table: "You better read this before you go any further!" said the strange lady.

Then she scampered for the exit.

[mouthwater]

SWIM thinks there is no difference. CEVs operate on a "blank canvas," unlike OEVs which operate on the visual perceptions of your immediate surroundings. If SWIY is in pitch black darkness, SWIM imagines that OEVs will also operate on a "blank canvas."

[London_Bloke]

LOL! Hey, I didn't say it was good, I just said it was there!