The Science of Gratitude & How Psychedelics Help
A Thanksgiving Edition of the Psychedelic Blog
We are doing gratitude wrong.
In a fascinating episode of the Huberman Lab Podcast, Andrew Huberman delves into the science of gratitude, shedding light on its substantial benefits for both mental & physical health. Contrary to common beliefs, effective gratitude practices extend beyond merely listing things one is thankful for. Instead, they involve experiencing narratives of gratitude & receiving gratitude, as supported by neuroimaging & physiological studies.
Huberman discusses the powerful impact of stories on our physiology. In one study, listeners' heart rates synchronized while hearing the same story. This underscores the deep connection between narrative and our bodily responses. The podcast also explores the neural mechanisms underlying gratitude. It distinguishes between prosocial neural circuits, which foster social interactions & empathy, and defensive circuits linked to fear & aversion. The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), a brain region involved in empathy, is particularly activated during effective gratitude practices.
Gratitude practices have been shown to reduce activity in the amygdala, the brain's fear center, and lower inflammatory markers like TNF-alpha & IL-6. This highlights a direct link between gratitude and reduced anxiety & fear. On the neurochemical front, serotonin plays a key role in prosocial behaviors & gratitude.
To practically implement gratitude practices, Huberman suggests focusing on narratives that involve genuine exchanges of gratitude. This could either be instances where one receives thanks or observes others being thanked. The recommended protocol is to engage in this practice for a brief period, about one to five minutes, three times a week. This approach, grounded in scientific evidence, underscores the profound influence that gratitude can have on both our minds & bodies, enhancing overall well-being & motivation.
A friend recently inquired about the enduring effects of my Psychedelic experiences. My reply was succinct: "gratitude." Before delving into the realm of mind-altering substances, I lacked a profound sense of thankfulness. I existed in a state of unawareness, drifting through life. When positive events occurred, my happiness was fleeting; when faced with adversities, I fell into a common trap of disbelief & self-pity, wondering how such things could happen to me.
Yet, a fundamental shift occurs when we transcend. We emerge as altered beings. Touching the divine, witnessing the intricate tapestry of existence that's always present but seldom perceived, transforms us. Our very essence evolves. The sense of 'awe,' often reserved for children, becomes a vivid part of our adult experience. We shift from questioning 'why' to exclaiming 'wow!' There's a newfound gratitude for being a participant in the remarkable journey known as the human condition.
As the psychologist Jordan B. Peterson astutely observes, "Be grateful in spite of your suffering." Enduring the loss of two siblings before my 41st birthday feels like some Civil War era shit. As the holidays draw near, the challenge intensifies. Overhearing conversations about family gatherings or seeing joyful families choosing their Christmas trees can stir a maelstrom of anger, jealousy, or envy within me. Yet, in these moments, my solace lies in gratitude — an appreciation for what I still possess. It’s not just a fleeting sentiment but a profound recognition of the blessings still in my life. The warmth of friends who have become like family, the laughter that still finds its way through the sorrow, the memories of my siblings that turn bittersweet with time. In these treasures, small & significant, I find the strength to embrace life’s tapestry — complex, frayed, yet still capable of encompassing moments of profound beauty.
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It gives more than we think
I remembered when we stopped before entering the jungle, asking for per mission and being thankful for allowing us in.
Hugs & Blessings