Thanks everyone for their comments on this very interesting thread.

The Theravadin Buddhist meditation technique of mindfulness of breathing (Anapanasati) induces dissociative states for me even though it is a practice of being mindful of breathing and thoughts, and letting go of thoughts as they arise.

During my first meditation retreat in Thailand dissociation came along with states of "unconditional happiness." However, back to one of those messy hippie beaches of the time I had a very frightening dissociative experience dancing in a techno club with several subsequent panic attacks, that went away after months of living a quieter and healthier lifestyle, without meds and psych wards.

The funny thing is I can't explain why dissociation normally induces bliss for me, but at one point resulted in a horror trip. Maybe confidence the state is temporary and not harmful makes the difference. Or is it all about embracing the ability to dissociate as a gift and not a curse?