8 ms·

“How to change your mind” by Michael Pollen. I read a lot of books, and this is one that caused a change in my life. The succinct summary is that psychedelics

“How to change your mind” by Michael Pollen. I read a lot of books, and this is one that caused a change in my life. The succinct summary is that psychedelics are misunderstood and there is more and more research showing their potential, especially in the treatment of trauma. I had a difficult childhood. It’s something I still struggle with personal interactions because of this, even after years of therapy. After reading Michael Pollen’s book I thought this might be something that could move the needle on my day-to-day quality of life. I found a shaman and did an 8 hour blindfolded mushroom trip. Similar to what’s outlined in the book. Previously I’ve never done anything more than weed occasionally. It had a profound impact on me. The way I describe it is like jumping off a diving board into a deep dark pool, and the pool is you. Then spending hours there. I don’t know if I’d do it again but I learnt a lot about myself. I won’t proselytize here either, because the research is still early. There’s also risk because you put a lot of trust in someone who’s there with you while you’re high. But I do recommend at least reading the book.

slap_shot 5y ago
Did the mushroom trip enlighten you? Did it change how you view the world? Were you worried about a bad trip?
- michaelbarton 5y ago
  It changed how I see myself. I think I'm more honest and more compassionate with myself. I wasn't really worried about a bad trip, my life has been difficult enough at times that I felt I had little to lose. Few stable relationships, no family, no kids. But that's very specific to me.
- tayo42 5y ago
  > Were you worried about a bad trip? I feel like people need to start talking about bad trips in a more helpful and realistic way. The info I got about put me off to tripping for years. I avoided them until my late 20s, wish i did them sooner. I think bad trips are mostly just people who mix psychedelics with other drugs (weed is common) and freak out or aren't used to introspection (so is this really bad then?) or use irresponsibly. Like if you take 15 shots of vodka you're going to have a bad time, why is lsd any different? Or if you drink with assholes that ruin your night out why would you trip with them?
  - jhardy54 5y ago
    > I think bad trips are mostly just people who mix psychedelics with other drugs (weed is common) and freak out or aren't used to introspection (so is this really bad then?) or use irresponsibly. Respectfully: this is dangerous speculation. You can have a bad trip even if you do everything right, and it’s an important risk that we should highlight rather than minimize. I believe that many psychedelic experiences are net positive, but some can be very negative for a very long time.
    - tayo42 5y ago
      Your post is basically my problem with how people talk about bad trips. You made the term "bad trip" ambiguous, scary and sound random. You're saying something might happen but no one can tell you what. Yeah that's horrifying, what is this horrible thing, Ill let my imagination run wild. But if you can be clear about the risks and how to avoid them I think you'll come out fine. I don't think if psychedelics were playing some game of russian roulette like you suggest they would actually be useful in therapy.
      - dagmx 5y ago
        I think you're entirely too dismissive of other people here, ironic for a thread on "How to change your mind" I've had to calm people down off of bad trips. Unlike what you say, it's something that totally happens with single drugs and non hallucinogenics. Hell you can have a bad trip on alcohol. It's all about the state of mind, and having an altered state of mind can make it much easier to start spiraling. This can happen even if you haven't taken drugs too, let's say from stress or lack of sleep. Again it's just about your mind being in a state it's uncomfortable with. Specifically I've had friends on weed who've had anxiety attacks and deep paranoia till I calmed them down. They were completely non functional in the same way someone having a sober anxiety/panic attack would be. I've had to help people on just E at parties who've started hyper ventilating and started having stressed delusional visions. That's not even getting into being there for someone who's on psychedelics, where I've had friends who've suffered fairly longer lasting bouts of out of body syndrome, even after the drugs wore off because of how it affected their perception of self. Drugs aren't the cause of a bad trip. They just increase the chances of one, and for many psychedelics, you therefore want to make sure you're in a calm, happy place. If someone is trying it for the first time, do it around people who will look out for you, and preferably those who can responsibly look after you if things do go sour.
- mekoka 5y ago
  > Were you worried about a bad trip? Many therapists and scientists have documented their personal experience guiding hundreds, sometimes thousands of trips with strong psychedelic doses (e.g. 20mg+ synthetic psilocybin, 200mcg+ lsd). They've written entire chapters on bad trips in the context of specifically psychedelics, what are their cause, how to avoid them, and how to handle them when they occur. Research papers, books, articles, etc. It's all in there. Sometimes, even reading just a single chapter from a single book is enough (James Fadiman's The Psychedelic Explorer's Guide is quite accessible. https://tripsafe.org/ https://tripsafe.org/ also offers good advice) Acquiring that knowledge requires to actually sit down and read the stuff. Sadly, what we have around us is people usually just spewing anecdotes and opinions. If you're considering taking the journey, do yourself a favor and research the topic a bit before. You might be surprised at the amount of misinformation that's out there (and in these very threads).
csee 5y ago
What kind of shaman and how did you find them?
- michaelbarton 5y ago
  I live in the US and there are some places here where it’s now decriminalized. As to shamen part, I do recommend reading the book. There’s a lot on “set and setting” which goes into this.
- BatteryMountain 5y ago
  I'm in Cape Town, a shaman visits two or three times a year. Currently costs around ~$400 for a 3-day retreat, excluding accommodation. Just for interest sake, my medical aid has paid around $2000 dollars worth of mental healthcare bills in total over three years (it's a lot for my country, but a fraction for Americans). I'd say the value/progress received from the mental health route has been utterly slow where a handful of mushrooms has had the best effects of my life. Going the shaman/Aya route is like pouring paint stripper on your soul, where you can then have a peek at your inner workings - its is not for the faint of heart. I do not regret doing it but I also advocate caution. You cannot unsee/unfeel the things you experience, some of it is positive and some might be negative. So yeah, all round worth it to do it via a shaman. Especially if you have tried normal mental health care and you aren't making progress. I feel all adults should do it as a rite of passage of sorts, especially anyone in positions of power.
nostromo177 5y ago
https://www.amazon.com/Jazz-Masters-Setting-Straight-American/dp/1496837436 https://www.amazon.com/Jazz-Masters-Setting-Straight-America...
rootsudo 5y ago
The number of people that I read/told me they read this book and go on to shaman trips and source material is staggering. I never really knew it was that hard to find/source said items. They aren't marketed publicly, but if you're in the right community they're available, usually for free. Psychedelics have a powerful community online from numerous forums, to websites such as Erowid and Psychonauts, which have their own discords. You can also find like minded people on meetup, or facebook groups. Or, what all the cool kids do - music festivals and camping. -- Is the shaman really that necessary? AS for doing it again, more and more psychdelics and chemicals with neuro effects are being legalized such as Ketamine IV treatment. There's also a whole semi famous association with it, MAPS.org, which has been increasing in membership, and governance creation and paid studies that show that psychedelics time and time again have a positive role in society. Then again, maybe Shaman isn't so different from a Doctor or N.P. - Just curious information, ever since Barnes & Noble highlisted this book when published, it really took off and this small world now seems to be mainstream.
- dagmx 5y ago
  Honestly, as with any drugs, if you just know anyone who dabbles , you can get them easily. I don't like drugs personally, but my closest social group has always been heavy drug users during my teens and early twenties (dealing with them is probably why I don't like drugs myself). I've always known where to go get stuff even though I don't partake in that lifestyle myself. Now when I describe that time in my life to my wife and more straight laced friends, they're surprised because they assume finding drugs or a "shaman" is difficult, or part of some seedy underbelly of society with crimelords etc... But really it's no different than knowing someone who is into any other niche. Also the idea of a shaman eludes me. Most "shamans" I've met are hucksters. They basically serve the purpose of guiding you in a trip, being a hype person and (assuming an experienced one) knowing how to deal with any issues that arise. A "shaman" can just as easily be replaced by a good friend at home. Most people just do it for the experience IMHO, but there's nothing special about one.
- neonrider 5y ago
  > Or, what all the cool kids do - music festivals and camping. Taking 1 gram of cubensis and taking 5 grams will not have the same effect. Traditionally, strong psychedelic doses tend to be administered for therapeutic/spiritual journeys. It's preferable that it would be in the presence of someone who's truly knowledgeable about that process (shaman, guide, therapist, etc). It's true in practically any culture, whether in Africa, in the Americas, or elsewhere. And there are reasons why it is so, which is all explained in those books and papers.
afpx 5y ago
How long has it been since you did it? Have the effects waned?
- michaelbarton 5y ago
  It’s been around four months since I did it. It’s hard to describe the effects. It’s unlike taking a medicine. I’ve heard analogies such as pouring concrete into your foundation, or shuffling your mental deck of cards. Neither of those quite describe it. One concrete effect was that I stopped wearing a smart watch. After the journey I just realized I didn’t want it. I stopped having a need to see notifications immediately. More abstractly: “revisiting” the worst of my childhood as an adult was moving and full of pent-up grief. I blame myself a lot less for who I ended up becoming as person.
BatteryMountain 5y ago
I'm in a similar headspace as you - not a druggy but went that shamanic route. 2x Ayahuasca ceremonies and 5 grams of mushrooms a few years ago... changed my life. I recommend only doing mushrooms once or twice a year at most for larger dosages and once or twice a month at most if doing 2g or less. If you do it more regularly you may have diminishing returns. Cannabis I'd do at most once a month if at all. San Pedro can also be extremely good at low dosages. Alcohol is a no go. Please be careful with dosages, set & setting, what you ate the previous weeks, how rested you are etc. Try to source good/clean mushrooms/cannabis. Always know exactly what you put into your body. Respect those plants and their power. When feeling the effects kick in, say hello to the "spirit" and welcome him/her for visiting you, like an old friend.
- graaben 5y ago
  What would you say a good dose is for San Pedro? Have you ever tried a higher dose?
  - BatteryMountain 5y ago
    Typically a 30cm cutting is enough to send you to space if you use the boiling/tea method. For 16 hours at least. It is not a short journey so be careful with how much you take. I typically do NOT boil them. I cut them up into disks and remove the skin and white stuff, then only keep the green slimy parts. Then I dehydrate them (make sure they are super dry - wait a week if you have to). Then I put them through a coffee grinder and sieve to make a fine powder that is lime green and smells very pungent. Then you have a choice before you: consume all of it or "microdose" - I'd recommend starting with 2 table spoons, maybe 4 if the effects are not coming on within 2 hours. Going the low dose way works extremely well for me - no vomiting/purging, my body accepts it fully. At this dosage things become extremely slowed down, as an example, 4 spoons strips time away for me and I feel like an immortal monk, ultra zen mode. Its cool to have small musical instruments around if you have any (flutes, bells, humming bowls, kalimba, ocarina, jews harp etc) and play with them even you don't know how to play them. It is important to fast the day before so you take it on a clean body. Also try to be in nature, between plants - the smallest details and colours of plants, insects & flowers can put you down a very nice rabbit hole of feeling wholesome and thankful for being shown the beauty of nature... etc. I'd recommend taking it 05:00 in the morning if you have summer time. Have some fresh fruit available to eat around 14:00 - it is the best thing on earth, you will be able to taste the "essence" of each fruit and its super juicy and chewy. You will understand that all fruits/seeds want to be eaten, to propagate and spread and that realization might make you cry with how humbling the plants struggle is to survive. I personally haven't had a full San Pedro dose yet since I'm too afraid to be honest. But a low dose of the dried stuff is amazing. No bad come down either. I'd also recommend growing them yourself and taking care of them (advice from the shaman) instead of buying them from a stranger - take care of them and they will take care of you. I currently have 6 of them and 4 new pups just appeared. Word of caution: I've seen a person who has abused this plant to escape reality. He had a plantation in his backyard and when I met him, his brain was completely fried while being sober. Very slow to respond, droopy face etc. If you go down this path, please do respect the plants and their power over our brains and also be aware of the very thin line between reality/normality and insanity/psychosis. Anyways, I hope you have a good journey and find all of the goodness hiding away in your heart. Its all there, more than you can imagine.
renfbatista 5y ago
I had a similar experience with ayahuasca. It removed some traumas that were blocking my self awareness and in some way growth. This helped me in my personal and professional life. I recommend it but should be taken with caution and in a security manner
graaben 5y ago
I had a similar reaction after reading this book. I spent a good part of 2020 and 2021 in a deep dive of learning about psychedelic culture, science, and cultivation/synthesis. Regardless of how the science relating to mental health develops, I think these substances are crucial tools of personal exploration and should me more widely (and responsibly) used.
- mbesto 5y ago
  My favorite analogy used for psychedelics is a "microscope for the mind". In other words they aren't a panacea.
arvinsim 5y ago
It's just sad that I am in a country where drugs are illegal and we are in a pandemic where travel is hard.
- blaeks 5y ago
  I bet that the breath and cold water are still legal:) Do not give up!
mbesto 5y ago
The most important part of this book is the thoughtful explanation and deep dive into psychedelics. Sure you might come away with "I should try this", but it explains how and why these drugs (*medicines) should be used, especially the potential downsides and adverse effects.
ohbleek 5y ago
As someone that works in psychedelic research I must say that this book did more for the acceptance of psychedelics as a legitimate therapy with mainstream America than anything, ever. The number of “straight-laced”, “9 to 5” people that have mentioned this book to me when they find out what I do is so high I pretty much expect it at this point. I personally was bored reading the book but only because I am so familiar with the space and I don’t find his writing terribly interesting but I truly believe his book did more to legitimize psychedelics than anything that came before it. People used to think I was some fringe weirdo before that book, now I’ve had strangers tell me I’m “their hero.” That’s not a joke. I’ve had two different people, on two different occasions say that to me, and both of them mentioned his book.
- renfbatista 5y ago
  I had a similar experience with ayoaska. It removed some traumas that were blocking my self awereness and in some way growth. This helped me in my personal and professional life. I recommend it but should be taken with caution and in a security manner.
major--neither 5y ago
Thanks for sharing this. I too had a difficult childhood (doesn't everyone?) and I have struggled with depression and debilitating anxiety. 12 years ago I started meditation, and after 10 years of seemingly nothing happening I began to get it. It's been 2 years and the depression/anxiety are just like shadows that are still there but do not affect me. I am very curious about psychedelics, but afraid to ruin all the work I put in ... But what if it helps me even more! :) Not sure what to do, but thanks again for posting your experience. It helps. Peace and Love to you brother. PS: I meditate 2 to 3 hours a day. It took me 5 years just to get a regular habit, then 5 more to get to an hour. After that things seem to go quickly.
- michaelbarton 5y ago
  Thanks for your sincere reply. I appreciate your honesty in sharing what you’re going through. I am impressed with your meditation habit. Being able to understand the quality of your own mind in that way is something that most people will never achieve in their entire lifetime. Best wishes you to you too, and for a positive 2022.

slap_shot 5y ago

Did the mushroom trip enlighten you? Did it change how you view the world? Were you worried about a bad trip?

michaelbarton 5y ago
It changed how I see myself. I think I'm more honest and more compassionate with myself. I wasn't really worried about a bad trip, my life has been difficult enough at times that I felt I had little to lose. Few stable relationships, no family, no kids. But that's very specific to me.
tayo42 5y ago
> Were you worried about a bad trip? I feel like people need to start talking about bad trips in a more helpful and realistic way. The info I got about put me off to tripping for years. I avoided them until my late 20s, wish i did them sooner. I think bad trips are mostly just people who mix psychedelics with other drugs (weed is common) and freak out or aren't used to introspection (so is this really bad then?) or use irresponsibly. Like if you take 15 shots of vodka you're going to have a bad time, why is lsd any different? Or if you drink with assholes that ruin your night out why would you trip with them?
- jhardy54 5y ago
  > I think bad trips are mostly just people who mix psychedelics with other drugs (weed is common) and freak out or aren't used to introspection (so is this really bad then?) or use irresponsibly. Respectfully: this is dangerous speculation. You can have a bad trip even if you do everything right, and it’s an important risk that we should highlight rather than minimize. I believe that many psychedelic experiences are net positive, but some can be very negative for a very long time.
  - tayo42 5y ago
    Your post is basically my problem with how people talk about bad trips. You made the term "bad trip" ambiguous, scary and sound random. You're saying something might happen but no one can tell you what. Yeah that's horrifying, what is this horrible thing, Ill let my imagination run wild. But if you can be clear about the risks and how to avoid them I think you'll come out fine. I don't think if psychedelics were playing some game of russian roulette like you suggest they would actually be useful in therapy.
    - dagmx 5y ago
      I think you're entirely too dismissive of other people here, ironic for a thread on "How to change your mind" I've had to calm people down off of bad trips. Unlike what you say, it's something that totally happens with single drugs and non hallucinogenics. Hell you can have a bad trip on alcohol. It's all about the state of mind, and having an altered state of mind can make it much easier to start spiraling. This can happen even if you haven't taken drugs too, let's say from stress or lack of sleep. Again it's just about your mind being in a state it's uncomfortable with. Specifically I've had friends on weed who've had anxiety attacks and deep paranoia till I calmed them down. They were completely non functional in the same way someone having a sober anxiety/panic attack would be. I've had to help people on just E at parties who've started hyper ventilating and started having stressed delusional visions. That's not even getting into being there for someone who's on psychedelics, where I've had friends who've suffered fairly longer lasting bouts of out of body syndrome, even after the drugs wore off because of how it affected their perception of self. Drugs aren't the cause of a bad trip. They just increase the chances of one, and for many psychedelics, you therefore want to make sure you're in a calm, happy place. If someone is trying it for the first time, do it around people who will look out for you, and preferably those who can responsibly look after you if things do go sour.
mekoka 5y ago
> Were you worried about a bad trip? Many therapists and scientists have documented their personal experience guiding hundreds, sometimes thousands of trips with strong psychedelic doses (e.g. 20mg+ synthetic psilocybin, 200mcg+ lsd). They've written entire chapters on bad trips in the context of specifically psychedelics, what are their cause, how to avoid them, and how to handle them when they occur. Research papers, books, articles, etc. It's all in there. Sometimes, even reading just a single chapter from a single book is enough (James Fadiman's The Psychedelic Explorer's Guide is quite accessible. https://tripsafe.org/ https://tripsafe.org/ also offers good advice) Acquiring that knowledge requires to actually sit down and read the stuff. Sadly, what we have around us is people usually just spewing anecdotes and opinions. If you're considering taking the journey, do yourself a favor and research the topic a bit before. You might be surprised at the amount of misinformation that's out there (and in these very threads).

csee 5y ago

What kind of shaman and how did you find them?

michaelbarton 5y ago
I live in the US and there are some places here where it’s now decriminalized. As to shamen part, I do recommend reading the book. There’s a lot on “set and setting” which goes into this.
BatteryMountain 5y ago
I'm in Cape Town, a shaman visits two or three times a year. Currently costs around ~$400 for a 3-day retreat, excluding accommodation. Just for interest sake, my medical aid has paid around $2000 dollars worth of mental healthcare bills in total over three years (it's a lot for my country, but a fraction for Americans). I'd say the value/progress received from the mental health route has been utterly slow where a handful of mushrooms has had the best effects of my life. Going the shaman/Aya route is like pouring paint stripper on your soul, where you can then have a peek at your inner workings - its is not for the faint of heart. I do not regret doing it but I also advocate caution. You cannot unsee/unfeel the things you experience, some of it is positive and some might be negative. So yeah, all round worth it to do it via a shaman. Especially if you have tried normal mental health care and you aren't making progress. I feel all adults should do it as a rite of passage of sorts, especially anyone in positions of power.

nostromo177 5y ago

https://www.amazon.com/Jazz-Masters-Setting-Straight-American/dp/1496837436 https://www.amazon.com/Jazz-Masters-Setting-Straight-America...

rootsudo 5y ago

The number of people that I read/told me they read this book and go on to shaman trips and source material is staggering. I never really knew it was that hard to find/source said items. They aren't marketed publicly, but if you're in the right community they're available, usually for free. Psychedelics have a powerful community online from numerous forums, to websites such as Erowid and Psychonauts, which have their own discords. You can also find like minded people on meetup, or facebook groups. Or, what all the cool kids do - music festivals and camping. -- Is the shaman really that necessary? AS for doing it again, more and more psychdelics and chemicals with neuro effects are being legalized such as Ketamine IV treatment. There's also a whole semi famous association with it, MAPS.org, which has been increasing in membership, and governance creation and paid studies that show that psychedelics time and time again have a positive role in society. Then again, maybe Shaman isn't so different from a Doctor or N.P. - Just curious information, ever since Barnes & Noble highlisted this book when published, it really took off and this small world now seems to be mainstream.

dagmx 5y ago
Honestly, as with any drugs, if you just know anyone who dabbles , you can get them easily. I don't like drugs personally, but my closest social group has always been heavy drug users during my teens and early twenties (dealing with them is probably why I don't like drugs myself). I've always known where to go get stuff even though I don't partake in that lifestyle myself. Now when I describe that time in my life to my wife and more straight laced friends, they're surprised because they assume finding drugs or a "shaman" is difficult, or part of some seedy underbelly of society with crimelords etc... But really it's no different than knowing someone who is into any other niche. Also the idea of a shaman eludes me. Most "shamans" I've met are hucksters. They basically serve the purpose of guiding you in a trip, being a hype person and (assuming an experienced one) knowing how to deal with any issues that arise. A "shaman" can just as easily be replaced by a good friend at home. Most people just do it for the experience IMHO, but there's nothing special about one.
neonrider 5y ago
> Or, what all the cool kids do - music festivals and camping. Taking 1 gram of cubensis and taking 5 grams will not have the same effect. Traditionally, strong psychedelic doses tend to be administered for therapeutic/spiritual journeys. It's preferable that it would be in the presence of someone who's truly knowledgeable about that process (shaman, guide, therapist, etc). It's true in practically any culture, whether in Africa, in the Americas, or elsewhere. And there are reasons why it is so, which is all explained in those books and papers.

afpx 5y ago

How long has it been since you did it? Have the effects waned?

michaelbarton 5y ago
It’s been around four months since I did it. It’s hard to describe the effects. It’s unlike taking a medicine. I’ve heard analogies such as pouring concrete into your foundation, or shuffling your mental deck of cards. Neither of those quite describe it. One concrete effect was that I stopped wearing a smart watch. After the journey I just realized I didn’t want it. I stopped having a need to see notifications immediately. More abstractly: “revisiting” the worst of my childhood as an adult was moving and full of pent-up grief. I blame myself a lot less for who I ended up becoming as person.

BatteryMountain 5y ago

I'm in a similar headspace as you - not a druggy but went that shamanic route. 2x Ayahuasca ceremonies and 5 grams of mushrooms a few years ago... changed my life. I recommend only doing mushrooms once or twice a year at most for larger dosages and once or twice a month at most if doing 2g or less. If you do it more regularly you may have diminishing returns. Cannabis I'd do at most once a month if at all. San Pedro can also be extremely good at low dosages. Alcohol is a no go. Please be careful with dosages, set & setting, what you ate the previous weeks, how rested you are etc. Try to source good/clean mushrooms/cannabis. Always know exactly what you put into your body. Respect those plants and their power. When feeling the effects kick in, say hello to the "spirit" and welcome him/her for visiting you, like an old friend.

graaben 5y ago
What would you say a good dose is for San Pedro? Have you ever tried a higher dose?
- BatteryMountain 5y ago
  Typically a 30cm cutting is enough to send you to space if you use the boiling/tea method. For 16 hours at least. It is not a short journey so be careful with how much you take. I typically do NOT boil them. I cut them up into disks and remove the skin and white stuff, then only keep the green slimy parts. Then I dehydrate them (make sure they are super dry - wait a week if you have to). Then I put them through a coffee grinder and sieve to make a fine powder that is lime green and smells very pungent. Then you have a choice before you: consume all of it or "microdose" - I'd recommend starting with 2 table spoons, maybe 4 if the effects are not coming on within 2 hours. Going the low dose way works extremely well for me - no vomiting/purging, my body accepts it fully. At this dosage things become extremely slowed down, as an example, 4 spoons strips time away for me and I feel like an immortal monk, ultra zen mode. Its cool to have small musical instruments around if you have any (flutes, bells, humming bowls, kalimba, ocarina, jews harp etc) and play with them even you don't know how to play them. It is important to fast the day before so you take it on a clean body. Also try to be in nature, between plants - the smallest details and colours of plants, insects & flowers can put you down a very nice rabbit hole of feeling wholesome and thankful for being shown the beauty of nature... etc. I'd recommend taking it 05:00 in the morning if you have summer time. Have some fresh fruit available to eat around 14:00 - it is the best thing on earth, you will be able to taste the "essence" of each fruit and its super juicy and chewy. You will understand that all fruits/seeds want to be eaten, to propagate and spread and that realization might make you cry with how humbling the plants struggle is to survive. I personally haven't had a full San Pedro dose yet since I'm too afraid to be honest. But a low dose of the dried stuff is amazing. No bad come down either. I'd also recommend growing them yourself and taking care of them (advice from the shaman) instead of buying them from a stranger - take care of them and they will take care of you. I currently have 6 of them and 4 new pups just appeared. Word of caution: I've seen a person who has abused this plant to escape reality. He had a plantation in his backyard and when I met him, his brain was completely fried while being sober. Very slow to respond, droopy face etc. If you go down this path, please do respect the plants and their power over our brains and also be aware of the very thin line between reality/normality and insanity/psychosis. Anyways, I hope you have a good journey and find all of the goodness hiding away in your heart. Its all there, more than you can imagine.

renfbatista 5y ago

I had a similar experience with ayahuasca. It removed some traumas that were blocking my self awareness and in some way growth. This helped me in my personal and professional life. I recommend it but should be taken with caution and in a security manner

graaben 5y ago

I had a similar reaction after reading this book. I spent a good part of 2020 and 2021 in a deep dive of learning about psychedelic culture, science, and cultivation/synthesis. Regardless of how the science relating to mental health develops, I think these substances are crucial tools of personal exploration and should me more widely (and responsibly) used.

mbesto 5y ago
My favorite analogy used for psychedelics is a "microscope for the mind". In other words they aren't a panacea.

arvinsim 5y ago

It's just sad that I am in a country where drugs are illegal and we are in a pandemic where travel is hard.

blaeks 5y ago
I bet that the breath and cold water are still legal:) Do not give up!

mbesto 5y ago

The most important part of this book is the thoughtful explanation and deep dive into psychedelics. Sure you might come away with "I should try this", but it explains how and why these drugs (*medicines) should be used, especially the potential downsides and adverse effects.

ohbleek 5y ago

As someone that works in psychedelic research I must say that this book did more for the acceptance of psychedelics as a legitimate therapy with mainstream America than anything, ever. The number of “straight-laced”, “9 to 5” people that have mentioned this book to me when they find out what I do is so high I pretty much expect it at this point. I personally was bored reading the book but only because I am so familiar with the space and I don’t find his writing terribly interesting but I truly believe his book did more to legitimize psychedelics than anything that came before it. People used to think I was some fringe weirdo before that book, now I’ve had strangers tell me I’m “their hero.” That’s not a joke. I’ve had two different people, on two different occasions say that to me, and both of them mentioned his book.

renfbatista 5y ago
I had a similar experience with ayoaska. It removed some traumas that were blocking my self awereness and in some way growth. This helped me in my personal and professional life. I recommend it but should be taken with caution and in a security manner.

major--neither 5y ago

Thanks for sharing this. I too had a difficult childhood (doesn't everyone?) and I have struggled with depression and debilitating anxiety. 12 years ago I started meditation, and after 10 years of seemingly nothing happening I began to get it. It's been 2 years and the depression/anxiety are just like shadows that are still there but do not affect me. I am very curious about psychedelics, but afraid to ruin all the work I put in ... But what if it helps me even more! :) Not sure what to do, but thanks again for posting your experience. It helps. Peace and Love to you brother. PS: I meditate 2 to 3 hours a day. It took me 5 years just to get a regular habit, then 5 more to get to an hour. After that things seem to go quickly.

michaelbarton 5y ago
Thanks for your sincere reply. I appreciate your honesty in sharing what you’re going through. I am impressed with your meditation habit. Being able to understand the quality of your own mind in that way is something that most people will never achieve in their entire lifetime. Best wishes you to you too, and for a positive 2022.