And it sticks. I mean, focus your attention in that little world of meanings and symbols long enough and you’ll tend to get stuck there.
But reality is infinitely larger than that little world. So to stay there, in that little world, to have your perspective altered like that all the time, is a bit unhealthy and insane.
But this is considered normal. Encouraged even.
Why would you think that state is permanent? What do you do when you get to the end of a book or an article? Do you not ever stop reading to eat, sleep, or take a walk?
Well it does tend to stick. So if you repeat it within that sticking period then yes, it becomes the normal permanent mode. And memory of any alternative is lost.
But sure, not necessarily permanent.