What is the value of mind altering experiences?

I watched this video tonight. It features an ooey gooey presentation of a real human brain. But more interesting, Jill talks about how having a stroke opened up her reality to one that is based outside of her human body. Everything she said resonated with experiences of mind alteration that I have had. I have been on a spiritual awakening of sorts, often referencing DMT: The spirit molecule along with other naturally occurring tryptamines in turkey and cheese. I fully believe that humans can have mind altering experiences without drugs. One can have mind altering experiences by starvation (fasting) as well as over-exhaustion. Also extreme fevers can cook the brain and produce mind altering experiences. I had several fevers as a child which I think ultimately changed my view of reality permanently. The madness I felt during these fevers often resurfaces in other parts of my thought processes. These thought processes are actually valued in today's workforce.

So were humans meant to live a life perfect from any sort of mild alteration? Joseph Smith would say no. He himself advocated fasting as a way to achieve spiritual experiences. Steve Jobs applied a similar approach often going a week with eating only one sort of fruit or vegetable. He deprived himself of nutrients in an effort to connect with something deeper. Mind altering experiences are important for us to step out of our daily routine and reevaluate the direction of our life. We can break the bonds of monotony and see our place in humanity with fresh eyes.

Conclusion: Mind altering experiences give humans a new perspective. I didn't even get into why I believe that humans evolved this ability to feel the spirit when when faced with a crisis of the physical body. (Spoiler Alert: It has to do with the will to survive). But regardless if one finds mind altering experiences (the spirit) through fasting, strokes, fevers, exhaustion or drugs - these experiences provide powerful insights into our everyday lives. They help us to step back and see our situation without all the mumbo jumbo stress of work. They allow us to be eternal. And for this reason I advocate mind altering experiences.