How does an altered state of consciousness differ from the three levels at which awareness is limited?

An altered state of consciousness refers to a temporary change in mental functioning, such as during meditation, hypnosis, or drug use, where awareness and perception can shift significantly. In contrast, the three levels at which awareness is limited—such as subconscious processing, focused attention, and the unconscious—pertain to the regular functioning of the mind under normal conditions. While altered states can enhance or diminish certain aspects of awareness, the limited awareness levels typically reflect the mind's inherent constraints in processing information. Thus, altered states are more about qualitative changes in consciousness, whereas the three levels denote structural limitations in awareness.