“We don’t see the world as it is, we see it as we are.” — Anais Nin
Based on our unique perspectives of the world, the emergence of Psychedelics will signify various implications. For entrepreneurs, laser-focused on proving the market's need for their innovation, Psychedelics present an avenue to broaden their vision. Veterans grappling with the aftermath of combat or individuals mourning the loss of a loved one may find Psychedelics a groundbreaking path to healing. For those in the nascent stages of a relationship or couples drifting apart after years of marriage & child-rearing, Psychedelics could forge connections. If drinking has lost its appeal, yet the pursuit of pleasure remains a core desire, Psychedelics offer a healthier avenue for enjoyment. And for anyone at a crossroads, seeking meaning or a deeper understanding of life, Psychedelics might just be the touch of divinity needed.
In this week's piece, I explore the diverse ways the Psychedelic movement manifests. Depending on your current life phase or values, certain aspects of this list will resonate more with you.
Performance & Professional Coaching Through Psychedelic Retreats
Psychedelic retreats, specifically designed for professionals & individuals in leadership roles, are becoming increasingly popular. These retreats often feature guest speakers, including former executives from major corporations, providing insights into how Psychedelics can enhance creativity & leadership abilities. It's almost a given that the story of Steve Jobs using LSD before inventing the Mac will be cited frequently.
Here are some headlines that a quick Google search reveals:
In the not-so-distant future, company retreats are poised to undergo a revolutionary transformation, increasingly embracing the Psychedelic experience. Psychedelic retreat centers will find it difficult to overlook the lucrative opportunity presented by programs specifically tailored for executives & high-level professionals. The growing repository of anecdotes detailing visionary breakthroughs & unparalleled team bonding experiences is set to have a profound impact on corporate America. As more organizations witness the transformative effects of these retreats on creativity, problem-solving, and interpersonal connections, we can anticipate a domino effect, leading to widespread adoption across industries. The potential for Psychedelics to redefine the corporate retreat, turning it into a conduit for profound professional & personal growth, is an exciting prospect that many forward-thinking companies are beginning to explore.
Healing Through Psychedelics
The therapeutic benefits of Psychedelics are extensively documented, offering significant advantages for treating PTSD, depression, anxiety, and eating disorders, among others. Substances like Psilocybin & MDMA stand out for their profound healing capabilities. Ironically, it's this very ability to facilitate healing that has contributed to their prolonged illegality. The influence of Big Pharma, which annually invests $300 billion to ensure its dominance in the healing market, has been a major barrier to the legalization of these substances.
Despite a challenging past, the future appears promising. Two presidential candidates, though considered underdogs, Congressman Dean Phillips (D) and Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. (I), support the legalization of Psychedelics for mental health treatment. Politics is downstream of culture, and there's a clear cultural push for change, as evidenced by the rising popularity of Ketamine clinics. This signals a shift in public opinion and demand for alternatives to traditional pharmaceuticals. Big Pharma and its allies in Washington, D.C., may soon find their monopolistic control over the healing market challenged by a society eager for change.
Relationships & Romantic Endeavors Enhanced by Psychedelics
Initially, I believed the most profound effect of the Psychedelic resurgence would be in transforming our approach to mortality. By offering mystical experiences, Psychedelics promised to ease the fear & anxiety surrounding death. However, my perspective has evolved; I now see the most significant impact of Psychedelics on relationships. They serve as a unifier, an aphrodisiac, a tool for deeper connection, and a means for estranged couples to find each other again. It's crucial to acknowledge that Psychedelics can also reveal when a relationship isn't right, leading to separation. Yet, this revelation is ultimately positive, as it lifts the veil on an existing illusion.
What many don't know is that MDMA was recognized for its potential in couples therapy during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Therapists urged President Reagan to exclude it from his war on drugs, but to no avail. Now, this form of therapy is experiencing a revival. In an era marked by loneliness, disconnection & divorce, the power of Psychedelics to bring people closer is invaluable.
Couples are increasingly exploring microdosing with Psilocybin & LSD (used separately) to enhance their intimacy, as this article details. My own experiences with MDMA, and low doses of Psilocybin & LSD, affirm their transformative impact in intimate settings. To describe these experiences as merely euphoric would be an understatement; they are profound & life-changing. The trend of "Netflix & Chill" is being replaced by "Shrooms & Sex" for many couples, highlighting a remarkable shift in how we seek connection & pleasure. This is a remarkable era for exploring the depths of human relationships.
Recreation Beyond Binaries: The Case for Psychedelics
The common dichotomy of labeling Psychedelics as either "recreational" or "medicinal" strikes me as overly simplistic and, frankly, a disservice to the nuanced benefits these substances offer. This binary classification serves as a mechanism for maintaining control, enabling a system where Psychedelics are legalized strictly for "medicinal purposes," thus allowing certain entities to monopolize access to these transformative medicines. Such a viewpoint is not just limiting; it's fundamentally flawed.
Consider the scenario of a couple, together for twenty years, who decide to explore a Psilocybin journey during a child-free weekend. Their experience — filled with laughter, connection, reminiscence, and intimacy — culminates in a profound sense of renewed bonding. To dismiss this as merely recreational overlooks the inherently therapeutic nature of their experience. This example underscores the arbitrary nature of the recreational versus medicinal divide.
The argument for Psychedelic use extends to a broader critique of society's accepted norms around substance use. The dangers of alcohol, a socially sanctioned substance, are well-documented, with over 100,000 alcohol-related deaths reported in 2023 alone. In contrast, Psilocybin mushrooms, when used responsibly within the right set & setting, have caused no fatalities. This stark difference highlights the potential benefits of integrating Psychedelics into our recreational repertoire. When approached with care, including proper preparation & integration, the so-called "recreational" use of Psychedelics can enrich our society, offering safe, meaningful avenues for pleasure & exploration beyond the constraints of traditional substance use.
Purpose & Meaning: A Psychedelic Journey to the Second Mountain
In "The Second Mountain," David Brooks delves into the quest for deeper meaning that often arises after achieving traditional milestones such as family & career success. This phase, marked by the introspective question "Now what?", is commonly associated with the mid-life crisis. While some respond by running off with their secretary or buying a Corvette, others seek a more profound sense of fulfillment. This is where Psychedelics come into play.
At the age of 36, I had my first transcendent Psychedelic experience. At the time, the full impact of this journey was beyond my comprehension, yet it irrevocably changed my life's trajectory. Like so many, I was in search of my purpose, feeling adrift. However, the moment I surrendered to the experience, touched the divine, saw the beauty of what is seldom revealed to us during baseline consciousness, I emerged transformed. The significance of these experiences cannot be overstated; they hold the potential to benefit not just the individual but society at large. The more people who embark on these mystical journeys, the greater our collective well-being.
The remarkable aspect of these use cases lies in their universally positive impact. By cultivating better leadership qualities, alleviating suffering, fostering deeper connections, promoting safer & healthier recreational alternatives, and helping individuals uncover their life's purpose, we witness a spectrum of extraordinary benefits. As more people across various sectors of society experience these transformative mystical journeys, the potential for widespread societal improvement becomes palpable. While I aim to avoid sounding overly optimistic in a world riddled with complexities & challenges, there's a compelling argument for a hopeful outlook. The growing embrace of Psychedelics underscores a collective belief in our ability to forge a significantly improved future.
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My paper "Psychedelic Elephant" might help to understand how psychedelics can have so many uses, and so many effects.
https://www.academia.edu/95408960/Psychedelic_Elephant_A_Critique_of_Psychedelic_Research