Microdosing is the latest trend in the psychedelic world. It involves taking very low doses of a psychedelic substance, such as LSD or psilocybin mushrooms on a regular basis. Such a technique allows a user to achieve a better state of equilibrium, as opposed to the intense trip that is often synonymous with a psychedelic experience.
It first emerged in San Francisco, less than a decade ago, when workers in Silicon Valley discovered that taking small amounts of LSD and psilocybin mushrooms every few days made them more focused, creative, and productive.
Psilocybin is the psychoactive compound found in ‘Magic Mushrooms.’ When ingested, Psilocybin stimulates serotonin 2A receptors in the prefrontal cortex of the brain, affecting mood, cognition and perception.
While there is no definitive way to answer the question of what Psilocybin is like, we can unpack what can occur during a Psilocybin experience. Psilocybin can take you on a deep dive into your subconscious. It provides a unique opportunity to become aware – and potentially address – of what has been repressed. With Psilocybin, it is possible to face our ‘shadow’. The shadow, in this instance, represents all the unconscious parts of yourself that your ego doesn’t want to admit to.
Hallucinations, vomiting and distorted vision: these are just a few of the reported side-effects associated with psychedelics. Although this might be enough to put people off, psychedelic-assisted therapy is more popular now than ever before. People all over the world are using ‘hallucinogens’ to heal childhood abuse, trauma, and addiction. Some even say it has the power to heal the world.
DMT is a powerful hallucinogen that comes in two forms: natural and synthetic. The first form occurs naturally in many plants and animals. Take, for example, Ayahuasca. It is a potent South American brew used by native Amazonian tribes for religious rituals and recreation, with DMT being the main psychoactive ingredient. However, the other form of DMT can be extracted in a laboratory to make a pure, crystalline white powder. This can either be smoked or snorted.
Before we go into how to use psychedelics responsibly, let’s explain what psychedelics are. Psychedelics are hallucinogenic compounds that alter perception and mood and have effects on many of our cognitive processes. As powerful as psychedelics are, they are considered to be generally safe and not addictive, making them a revolutionary tool for various types of healing.
Commonly spoken about psychedelics or compounds with psychedelic properties include: Psilocybin (Magic Mushrooms), LSD (Acid), MDMA (Molly, Ecstasy), Ketamine, DMT, Ayahuasca, Mescaline (Peyote, San Pedro), Ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT.
Certain places have decriminalized having small amounts of psychedelic substances, but brewing or having larger amounts with intended ceremonial use or distribution is still a punishable offense.
There are several religions that use Ayahuasca as a sacrament. They have a religious exemption and conduct legal, sacramental use in the U.S. and Canada as well as several others that are asserting their rights, but do not have a formal exemption. If you fundamentally believe in these religions, there is the option to join an Ayahuasca church.
Psychedelics have become known for their visionary experiences, higher states of consciousness, mood and sense enhancement, and ability to elicit perceptual shifts within one’s psyche. When used in the context of a healing journey—that is , seeking to heal oneself from pain or trauma—they can provide a powerful platform by which to transform the self through deep and personal psychedelic experiences. In many cases, this can even lead to profound “breakthroughs” that shift a person’s understanding of themselves and their world. When this happens, one is often left to wonder, “what now?”, or “how do I use this information to improve my life?”
What comes to mind when you think about therapy? Do you have any images, metaphors, or experiences that shape your preference? Do you see a couch with a person sitting across from you taking notes? Maybe you don’t have any experience. The following guide will help to assist your understanding of the differences between receiving traditional therapy vs coaching. Choosing a therapist can feel a bit like the awkwardness of dating, and knowing what you need and want in a therapist takes time, work and research.
Since, I have picked my mom up from the street, passed out, at 11am. I shuffled her 5 pieces of luggage wherever she went. I offered to pay for a sober living then watched as the day she got out of rehab, she went directly to a hotel to drink. I called the ER after finding her in a pile of feces, food rotting on the floor. I spent my mother’s birthday wondering if she was alive. Trying to ‘rescue’ my mom came at a heavy cost: I lost my job, my accommodation, my Airbnb account, and my car directly due to my mom. Through it all, I was racked with guilt: what if I had called more often, been kinder, wiser, more understanding, more patient, less angry? Maybe then she would want to get better.
Psychedelic “power” is often defined by the intensity of the psychedelic experience to shift one’s perception of reality from their normal state of consciousness into an often described “higher state” that feels as though it exists outside the body. At the top end of these “higher states”, we have “near death experiences” and pure white light experiences. These are experiences where one senses a complete dissolution of the self into a state of oneness with the universe or a perceived divine creator. Naturally, one wonders if these are the most powerful psychedelic experiences possible.
If you’re looking for support around different states of suffering and looking to transform your life, you have come to the right place. At Being True To You, we specialize in helping people reach their highest potential in life and heal themselves from mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual suffering. We are here to help you with various levels of support for yourself or a loved one. Keep reading to learn where you can find help perfectly tailored to your individual needs!