(Nikki Harper) It has long been known that psilocybin, found in ‘magic mushrooms’, can create feelings of a connection to the collective consciousness, and a dissolution of the self – often in experiences which prove positively life-changing for the participants [1]. Now new research has for the first time examined the effect of adding mindfulness meditation to the psilocybin experience, and the results may offer hope for eventual therapeutic treatment of depression and anxiety.
Related Scientists Have Created a Bacterium That Poops Huge Amounts of Psilocybin
by Nikki Harper, November 20th, 2019
Researchers at the University of Zurich worked with 40 meditation experts who were on a five-day meditation retreat. On day four, in a double-blind study, participants were given either a single dose of psilocybin or a placebo. Then, through various psychometric and neurocognitive measures, the participant experiences were assessed.
The study found that the addition of mindfulness meditation significantly increased the positive effects of psilocybin and also, crucially, mitigated against any potential dysphoric effects an individual may have otherwise experienced through use of the psychedelic [2]. It is thought that potential anxiety reactions, for example, were avoided because of how mindfulness teaches the regulation of attention and the examination of emotions.
The results were long-lasting. At a four month follow up, those who had received the psilocybin dose were, compared to the placebo group, more empathetic, with improved psychosocial functioning, fewer egocentric behaviours and an increased sense of life’s purpose [2].
Buy Book Entheogens and the Future of Religion
Depression and anxiety are characterised by an excess of self-focus and a hyper-awareness of negativity in life, with the individual tending to dwell on things which worsen their depression or anxiety, creating a vicious circle. Because the self-transcendent effect of psilocybin takes the focus away from egocentricity, there could be potential here for a clinical application of psilocybin in the treatment of anxiety and depression. With mindfulness meditation shown to both enhance the psilocybin experience and offer some protection from the risk of a ‘bad trip’, there’s potentially an exciting link here.
Researchers found that the depth of the meditation achieved was linked to the effectiveness of the mindfulness intervention, as were personal attitudes such as optimism and open-mindedness. However, it is significant that the study participants were already well-functioning individuals, and yet they were able to gain considerable benefit from the combination of psilocybin and mindfulness meditation. Indeed, most of the participants reported that they valued the experience as highly as their lifetime most significant mystical experience.
It is still early days in the quest to research psychedelics as potential mental health treatments. However, the University of Zurich researchers are optimistic about their results. “They indicate that mindfulness training enhances the positive effects of a single dose of psilocybin and can increase empathy and permanently reduce ego-centricity,” says UZH professor of psychiatry Franz Vollenweider. “This opens up new therapeutic avenues, for example for the treatment of depression, which is often accompanied by increased self-focus and social deficits.” [3]
Buy Book Heal Your PTSD: Dynamic Strategies That Work
Stillness in the Storm Editor: Why did we post this?
The preceding information reveals the entheogenic nature of medicinal compounds produced by the biome of earth, which human beings are intimately connected with. This information reveals that endogenous processes (in the body) can be stimulated by exogenous substances (out of the body), thereby revealing the fact that the human organism appears to be “preprogrammed” for mystical experiences or making contact with deity realities. Properly understood, this information can “prove” that the purpose of the human agency is one of questing for the Creator of all things and that through that quest, all the challenges of life find their resolution. It also reveals that the Deep State uses these substances for their own purposes and is likely aware of the power and potential of what they have to offer humanity.
– Justin
Not sure how to make sense of this? Want to learn how to discern like a pro? Read this essential guide to discernment, analysis of claims, and understanding the truth in a world of deception: 4 Key Steps of Discernment – Advanced Truth-Seeking Tools.
Stillness in the Storm Editor’s note: Did you find a spelling error or grammatical mistake? Send an email to [email protected], with the error and suggested correction, along with the headline and url. Do you think this article needs an update? Or do you just have some feedback? Send us an email at [email protected]. Thank you for reading.
Source:
Leave a Reply