Welcome to the Psychedelic Blog. I write about the Impact of Psychedelics on Grieving, Relationships, Culture & Death. This week, we're talking about all the things Psychedelics will ruin for you—don’t worry, it's a good thing.
I actually wish the term “drugs” did not include psychedelics. Because in my humble opinion, there are drugs, which includes alcohol, and then there are psychedelics that are in a realm of their own.
Fantastic list, each thing here is something that is absolutely true. After you've tasted the bliss of the divine or have seen the true nature of reality things such as small talk, god how fucking excruciating it is, to shopping for "stuff" no longer resonates with a psychonaut. The thought of going to the mall to buy clothes makes me want to scream, even when I actually need to buy new clothes. This is why psychedelics have been demonized and illegalized, they provide you with the perception to see beyond the conditioning of society and show you a path through the madness we call normal life in this world. Once your perception changes you cannot go back to who you were, nor do you want to even if being part of normal society may have been easier. Also, you're definitely right about alcohol, I used to love me some booze but over the past 5 years I have cut it out of my life almost completely, only time I drink to excess is when I'm at my family's trailer at a campground, other than that I have zero desire to drink.
Totally feel this! Once you’ve touched the ineffable—the whole charade becomes unbearable.
Small talk turns into psychological torture, consumerism feels like soul-decay, and alcohol becomes this weird socially sanctioned self-sabotage ritual.
I’ve joked before that Psychedelics don’t change what you see, they change how you see—and once that lens shifts, “normal” starts to feel like the craziest trip of all.
Respect on the booze part too! Funny how once your baseline clarity levels up, the idea of fogging it up again just doesn’t hit the same.
I haven’t taken psychedelics, but this describes what happened to me through spiritual practice and healing work...and possibly having been part of a moderate cult. I still can't deal with shopping malls, bars, and loud places. I think what you're talking about is the side effect of mingling with the divine - developing sensitivity to human bullshit.
But there’s a trap here too.
I noticed that in transcending the superficial I struggled to relate to those who haven’t.
It can become harder to stay connected, to meet people where they are, to resist the ego boost of only vibing with those who “get it.” Over time, I had to intentionally connect with those who do require some small talk to put them at ease so that they can open up to me, as part of the role I play in their life (ie coach, facilitator).
I want to be connected but not through becoming untouchable.
Couldn’t agree more! I definitely went through a post-Psychedelic overcorrection phase—where I was too quick to dismiss things (and people) that didn’t align with my new “heightened” state. That sensitivity to BS is real, but so is the trap of becoming superior. Finding balance, like you said, is key. Learning to meet people where they are without diluting who I am has been a huge part of the integration journey.
Except on LinkedIn. There is no balance to be had there. That place is a spiritual wasteland.
Witty truth, Andrew. I found myself agreeing and a small knowing smile appeared on my face. As a former recruiter, I was so good at small talk because I had to be. Now I can barely do it more than 39 seconds. I’d rather sit in comfortable silence. I like to be around deep thinkers and I guess we’ve all had a dose.
Appreciate that, Shelley! And I am totally with you. Once you’ve tasted real depth, small talk is the worst. Here's to the comfortable silences and the company of those who’ve had a dose!
I can’t believe I’m going to say this (and I’ll probably retract it in 3 months when you do it again), but this one is my favorite. Every single word and piece of it. You nailed it, friend. And I may have to print it out and hang it up in my home office.
Great piece. The awareness is such a key benefit that catalyzes change. I would also add to the list that you lose victim-hood. You realize that things are happening for you and not to you. You no longer play the blame game and you begin to ask, what is this moment teaching me? Newly subscribed, looking forward to reading more.
Appreciate that—beautifully said. Losing victimhood is one of the most liberating parts of this path. That shift from “why is this happening to me?” to “what is this showing me?” changes everything. Welcome aboard—grateful to have you here!
I’ve never done psychedelics but all of these things are definitely challenging for me since 2012 when I really got deep into meditation and divine connection. Small talk is boring. News is unnecessary drama and alcohol is dense. 🧘♀️💚
I’m an avid meditator as well, and I’ve noticed that the altered states from deep meditation can lead to the same aversion to societal norms that Psychedelics often do.
I really enjoyed this. what you're describing is attainable using psychedelics as a tool to get there. it's humility, it's an inquisitive spirit and open mind. it's philosophy, its asking the questions that matter most. it's a subjugation of ego and placing it in its proper perspective. not dead, just one of our many psyche components.
you don't need a trip on psychedelics to get there. there are many other tools also. They can be almost infinite, depending on how you approach things. anything from gardening, to hunting, fishing, DIY projects, to cooking, to child-rearing, to reading, writing, doing math, playing music, to just plain thinking.
But, the psychs are a great tool to catalyze this mindset I 100% agree. you need a connection with your soul. a human connection with yourself and the world.
as to the things I hate most - I love this. small talk, fake laughing, and LinkedIn. my god LInkedIn is the worst of all SoMe. it's the worst!
As to small talk, when presented with small talk and nothing but small talk, I start throwing in confusing nuanced absurdities to "mix it up" and see how the recipients respond. It's a game I like to play. I either do this.. or I just leave.. abruptly...
As to laughter - there's only one real kind of laughter. it's belly laughter. it's all that counts. it comes from the soul, the deep well within that houses all the darkness, the despair, the hope, the light of our spirit.
those are all the same superficial things and I despise them. and the "fake foodie" element. yes, yes, and yes.
and btw - as far as food goes - my own food is better than any restaurant (the food that I put my own time, effort, sweat and tears into. it is better.
I'm so glad you added LinkedIn to this mess. made my day!!
The way you phrased it—“not dead, just one of our many psyche components”—is exactly how I feel about the ego. Psychedelics didn’t obliterate mine, they just shoved it off the throne and gave the rest of me a seat at the table.
Totally agree there are other ways to get there. Hunting, gardening, parenting. But Psychedelics fast-track the surrender. Like throwing a Molotov cocktail at the illusion of control.
As for your take on small talk—brilliant. I’m going to start stealing that absurdity tactic. Way better than white-knuckling through another “how’s work been?” convo. And yes, LinkedIn is a crime against authenticity. It’s like if corporate-speak & performative optimism had a baby, and then fed it nothing but AI engagement tips & self-congratulatory thought leadership posts.
Appreciate your words, brother. Glad we’re both playing this game on hard mode.
Yea you can’t lose with that tactic. Either you discover another fellow traveler who wants to get off the platitudes bus and play with you, or you watch people short circuit. Either way it’s a win.
Molotov cocktails and accelerants all have their purpose for sure.
But you had me at “LinkedIn”🤣. What an absolute cesspool of mundane boring chatGTP rightspeak.
I go there rarely, and only from the perspective of 'the pain feels good.' like when you have a toothache and you can't resist fucking with it to see it still hurts and how much. (of course it always "still hurts")
As to the small talk fuckery, try dabbling with it.. throw in some convo that's just a bit "off", they can't quite place it, it's not completely anti-social, it's just "slightly off track." and watch them. and when you find your brothers and sisters in that, with that "look in the eye" it's a nice little treat.
let me know how your travels go! I appreciate your blog here, I check in on it time to time.. good stuff.
And yes to the “slightly off” small talk strategy. It’s like slipping a little glitch into the matrix—see who notices. The ones who clock it are always worth keeping around.
I actually wish the term “drugs” did not include psychedelics. Because in my humble opinion, there are drugs, which includes alcohol, and then there are psychedelics that are in a realm of their own.
Could not agree more with that distinction.
We arbitrarily label certain substances ‘drugs’.
It makes no sense, yet so many live their entire lives according to these labels.
Fantastic list, each thing here is something that is absolutely true. After you've tasted the bliss of the divine or have seen the true nature of reality things such as small talk, god how fucking excruciating it is, to shopping for "stuff" no longer resonates with a psychonaut. The thought of going to the mall to buy clothes makes me want to scream, even when I actually need to buy new clothes. This is why psychedelics have been demonized and illegalized, they provide you with the perception to see beyond the conditioning of society and show you a path through the madness we call normal life in this world. Once your perception changes you cannot go back to who you were, nor do you want to even if being part of normal society may have been easier. Also, you're definitely right about alcohol, I used to love me some booze but over the past 5 years I have cut it out of my life almost completely, only time I drink to excess is when I'm at my family's trailer at a campground, other than that I have zero desire to drink.
Totally feel this! Once you’ve touched the ineffable—the whole charade becomes unbearable.
Small talk turns into psychological torture, consumerism feels like soul-decay, and alcohol becomes this weird socially sanctioned self-sabotage ritual.
I’ve joked before that Psychedelics don’t change what you see, they change how you see—and once that lens shifts, “normal” starts to feel like the craziest trip of all.
Respect on the booze part too! Funny how once your baseline clarity levels up, the idea of fogging it up again just doesn’t hit the same.
Amazing list
Thank you so much!
I haven’t taken psychedelics, but this describes what happened to me through spiritual practice and healing work...and possibly having been part of a moderate cult. I still can't deal with shopping malls, bars, and loud places. I think what you're talking about is the side effect of mingling with the divine - developing sensitivity to human bullshit.
But there’s a trap here too.
I noticed that in transcending the superficial I struggled to relate to those who haven’t.
It can become harder to stay connected, to meet people where they are, to resist the ego boost of only vibing with those who “get it.” Over time, I had to intentionally connect with those who do require some small talk to put them at ease so that they can open up to me, as part of the role I play in their life (ie coach, facilitator).
I want to be connected but not through becoming untouchable.
Except on LinkedIn.
Couldn’t agree more! I definitely went through a post-Psychedelic overcorrection phase—where I was too quick to dismiss things (and people) that didn’t align with my new “heightened” state. That sensitivity to BS is real, but so is the trap of becoming superior. Finding balance, like you said, is key. Learning to meet people where they are without diluting who I am has been a huge part of the integration journey.
Except on LinkedIn. There is no balance to be had there. That place is a spiritual wasteland.
Psychedelics is just another form of spiritual awakening. Here is a great video on what one person learned from taking psychedelic mushrooms. https://youtu.be/_xfe7g-3Xuk?si=_dEnjJf01BUnokOF
Thanks for sharing this!
Will check this out.
Simon wrote the script, presented the narrative, wrote and performed the music.
🙏🏻
‘A mall isn’t just a building—it’s a monument to the lie that more stuff will fix the pain.’ 🤌🏻
Beautiful stuff. Keep it up.
Thank you so much!
Your best article yet! I hope you post this every where!
Wow thank you so much! This means a lot.
couldn't agree more! great read and very accurate description - well written piece...
Really appreciate this!
Yes sir.
🙏🏻
Witty truth, Andrew. I found myself agreeing and a small knowing smile appeared on my face. As a former recruiter, I was so good at small talk because I had to be. Now I can barely do it more than 39 seconds. I’d rather sit in comfortable silence. I like to be around deep thinkers and I guess we’ve all had a dose.
Appreciate that, Shelley! And I am totally with you. Once you’ve tasted real depth, small talk is the worst. Here's to the comfortable silences and the company of those who’ve had a dose!
Welcome to the "other" side!
So much more interesting !
Thank you! Good to be here.
I can’t believe I’m going to say this (and I’ll probably retract it in 3 months when you do it again), but this one is my favorite. Every single word and piece of it. You nailed it, friend. And I may have to print it out and hang it up in my home office.
Wow, thank you so very much! This means a lot, friend.
I am glad the piece landed. It was a fun one to write!
Great piece. The awareness is such a key benefit that catalyzes change. I would also add to the list that you lose victim-hood. You realize that things are happening for you and not to you. You no longer play the blame game and you begin to ask, what is this moment teaching me? Newly subscribed, looking forward to reading more.
Appreciate that—beautifully said. Losing victimhood is one of the most liberating parts of this path. That shift from “why is this happening to me?” to “what is this showing me?” changes everything. Welcome aboard—grateful to have you here!
I’ve never done psychedelics but all of these things are definitely challenging for me since 2012 when I really got deep into meditation and divine connection. Small talk is boring. News is unnecessary drama and alcohol is dense. 🧘♀️💚
Couldn’t agree more!
I’m an avid meditator as well, and I’ve noticed that the altered states from deep meditation can lead to the same aversion to societal norms that Psychedelics often do.
I’m curious about psychedelics though! I tried micro dosing mushrooms for a while but never a full on psychedelic experience. One day!
When done with intention and at the right time, they can be a beautiful gift—elevating the quality of our lives while we’re here.
Does it also help with smoking cessation?
Yes, studies have shown Psilocybin in particular to be an effective treatment against smoking.
You're not talking micro-dosing 20mg? lol
I really enjoyed this. what you're describing is attainable using psychedelics as a tool to get there. it's humility, it's an inquisitive spirit and open mind. it's philosophy, its asking the questions that matter most. it's a subjugation of ego and placing it in its proper perspective. not dead, just one of our many psyche components.
you don't need a trip on psychedelics to get there. there are many other tools also. They can be almost infinite, depending on how you approach things. anything from gardening, to hunting, fishing, DIY projects, to cooking, to child-rearing, to reading, writing, doing math, playing music, to just plain thinking.
But, the psychs are a great tool to catalyze this mindset I 100% agree. you need a connection with your soul. a human connection with yourself and the world.
as to the things I hate most - I love this. small talk, fake laughing, and LinkedIn. my god LInkedIn is the worst of all SoMe. it's the worst!
As to small talk, when presented with small talk and nothing but small talk, I start throwing in confusing nuanced absurdities to "mix it up" and see how the recipients respond. It's a game I like to play. I either do this.. or I just leave.. abruptly...
As to laughter - there's only one real kind of laughter. it's belly laughter. it's all that counts. it comes from the soul, the deep well within that houses all the darkness, the despair, the hope, the light of our spirit.
those are all the same superficial things and I despise them. and the "fake foodie" element. yes, yes, and yes.
and btw - as far as food goes - my own food is better than any restaurant (the food that I put my own time, effort, sweat and tears into. it is better.
I'm so glad you added LinkedIn to this mess. made my day!!
Yes, yes, yes to all of this!
The way you phrased it—“not dead, just one of our many psyche components”—is exactly how I feel about the ego. Psychedelics didn’t obliterate mine, they just shoved it off the throne and gave the rest of me a seat at the table.
Totally agree there are other ways to get there. Hunting, gardening, parenting. But Psychedelics fast-track the surrender. Like throwing a Molotov cocktail at the illusion of control.
As for your take on small talk—brilliant. I’m going to start stealing that absurdity tactic. Way better than white-knuckling through another “how’s work been?” convo. And yes, LinkedIn is a crime against authenticity. It’s like if corporate-speak & performative optimism had a baby, and then fed it nothing but AI engagement tips & self-congratulatory thought leadership posts.
Appreciate your words, brother. Glad we’re both playing this game on hard mode.
Yea you can’t lose with that tactic. Either you discover another fellow traveler who wants to get off the platitudes bus and play with you, or you watch people short circuit. Either way it’s a win.
Molotov cocktails and accelerants all have their purpose for sure.
But you had me at “LinkedIn”🤣. What an absolute cesspool of mundane boring chatGTP rightspeak.
Haha yes! “Rightspeak” is the perfect word for it. LinkedIn is where authenticity goes to die in a sea of humblebrags & sanitized nonsense.
I go there rarely, and only from the perspective of 'the pain feels good.' like when you have a toothache and you can't resist fucking with it to see it still hurts and how much. (of course it always "still hurts")
As to the small talk fuckery, try dabbling with it.. throw in some convo that's just a bit "off", they can't quite place it, it's not completely anti-social, it's just "slightly off track." and watch them. and when you find your brothers and sisters in that, with that "look in the eye" it's a nice little treat.
let me know how your travels go! I appreciate your blog here, I check in on it time to time.. good stuff.
Love that toothache analogy—been there.
And yes to the “slightly off” small talk strategy. It’s like slipping a little glitch into the matrix—see who notices. The ones who clock it are always worth keeping around.
Appreciate you checking in!