About nine months ago, I embarked on a journey with magic mushrooms for the first time. These were not ordinary mushrooms; they were a potent variety, and I consumed a significant amount. My fascination with these fungi had been growing for years, inspired by the transformative experiences reported by individuals such as Paul Stamets and Aubrey Marcus. More recently, the scientific community, led by prestigious institutions like Johns Hopkins, has renewed its interest in studying the therapeutic potential of psychedelic compounds for mental health, a field that had been largely dormant since the 1960s.

This article combines my reflections before and after the experience. Initially, I hesitated to share my insights publicly. However, the profound impact of this experience compelled me to speak out, as it has led to enduring changes in my life.

Here are some key insights from my journey:

# Maintain a Clean Environment

The first lesson is straightforward yet profound. While processing the emotions and memories that surfaced during my experience, I found myself alternating between laughter and tears. This emotional release led to physical discomfort, making it difficult to fully engage with the experience.

This prompted a realization: keeping your environment clean is essential for living well.

This principle applies on multiple levels. If you're feeling congested, take a moment to clear your sinuses. If your space is cluttered, tidy it up. If there are unresolved conversations, address them promptly. Delaying these actions detracts from your enjoyment of the present moment.

Unresolved issues can linger within us, weighing us down mentally, much like unused possessions taking up space. It’s important to release these burdens.

# Rethinking the Fear of Death

Prior to my experience, I had a conversation with friends about death. I believe I maintain a healthy perspective on mortality, recognizing its inevitability while also understanding that life is precious. Yet, I have also been fortunate to avoid significant loss in my life so far.

This discussion framed my psychedelic journey, where I was confronted with the awe of existence itself. The mere fact that we are here, experiencing life, is astonishing. In this light, the fear of death seems misplaced; it’s not about the number of years we have but the miracle of existence itself.

Instead of fearing death, we should embrace the mystery of life.

Moreover, I realized that death is simply a transition, a natural flow of atoms from one form to another. We borrow these atoms for a brief time, after which they return to the universe, illustrating the cycle of existence.

# The Shared Nature of Consciousness

Have you ever contemplated that all humans share one commonality?

Consciousness.

We all experience the world through this shared lens. When we meditate, we begin to understand that our consciousness is the only truly real aspect of ourselves. This shared experience connects us all, regardless of our differences.

Understanding this can lead to a sense of responsibility. Despite our struggles, we are all part of the same human experience.

# The Nature of Competition

At times, I grapple with feelings of competition. I grew up with a strong ego, which led to discomfort when others encroached on my perceived territory.

My psychedelic experience helped me see that competition gives significance to winning. In nature, every species faces competition, and the ability to confront it defines true success, regardless of the outcome.

While winners and losers exist, this perspective is limited. In the grand scheme, human interactions often result in mutual growth, making losses a natural part of the journey.

# The Essence of Art

During my experience, I exclaimed, "I finally understand art!" This realization was unexpected yet profound.

Art serves as a connection to the wonder of existence. It transcends mere reality and evokes feelings of awe, similar to the emotions inspired by a breathtaking landscape. This connection reminds us of the beauty and mystery of life itself.

As Alan Watts observed, people often remark that a beautiful view resembles a painting. This illustrates how art can be a doorway to deeper understanding.

# The Gift of the Body

Physical activity has always been integral to my life, from my athletic youth to my current passion for skiing. However, I never considered myself a dancer and had avoided it out of fear.

Through my experience, I recognized that moving my body—whether skiing, climbing, or dancing—represents a dance with life itself. It’s a celebration of having a functional body, a means to express oneself through movement.

This realization deepened my gratitude for the ability to experience life fully and underscored the importance of caring for our bodies, as not everyone is so fortunate.

# The Dangers of Comparison

I often fall into the trap of comparing myself to others, which has been detrimental to my happiness over the years. However, this issue became a catalyst for transformation during my experience.

Towards the end, I observed myself through the eyes of everyone I've ever known, feeling their emotions and understanding how I had sometimes been a source of jealousy or insecurity for them.

This insight was painful. It highlighted how we often elevate others while undervaluing ourselves, failing to recognize that each person's journey is unique.

We cannot compare ourselves to others; every individual’s circumstances differ. Accepting this can foster a more positive self-image.

# Closing Thoughts

The power of such experiences lies in the emotional depth they can evoke. They allow us to embody insights we may understand intellectually but struggle to apply in our lives. Understanding is not the same as knowing, and psychedelics can facilitate this transformation.

Ultimately, I felt a profound appreciation for the people who care for me—something I must never take for granted.

“If you have nothing in your life, but you have at least one person that loves you unconditionally, it’ll do wonders for your self-esteem.” – Naval Ravikant

As a final note, I urge anyone considering a similar journey with psychedelics to approach it with respect and for the right reasons.