The Beckley Foundation

Thoughts on the lens of perspective... 💭 How much does your perspective colour what you see?

Many artists, musicians, and writers have used psychedelics like LSD, psilocybin mushrooms, and mescaline to expand their perceptions and fuel creativity. In this short series, we’ll explore some notable figures throughout history who have openly discussed the influence of psychedelics on their work and their creations. First up, The Beatles. The bands exploration of psychedelics, particularly LSD, in the mid-1960s profoundly influenced their music and artistic evolution. Albums like Rubber Soul, Revolver, and Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band showcased their embrace of surreal lyrics, experimental sounds, and mind-expanding themes.

"Modern science has made great strides in its efforts to downgrade and extinguish the spiritual aspect of life, but, surprisingly, it now appears that at the very core of the most effective healing approach to our mental health epidemic, lies the mystical experience." – Amanda Feilding  Visit our website to find out more about the new psychedelics and the mystical experience study. https://lnkd.in/eeptxReT

How can we monitor the changes in brain’s structure post-psilocybin? Researchers are mapping the structural and microstructural changes in the brain, to better understand psilocybin’s effect on major depressive disorder. https://lnkd.in/eJUkxNxR

Jim Fadiman, often termed the “father” of modern microdosing, and his writing partner, Jordan Gruber, have written Microdosing for Health, Healing, and Enhanced Performance. This new book was released on 18th February as a hardcover, audiobook, and ebook. Over the years, microdosing has been demonstrated as an effective approach to a wide range of health conditions, as are listed and explained in the book. Jim and Jordan have spent over 4 years writing this book, which has received a number of positive reviews already... 🌟 “An honest, practical analysis” - Julie Holland, MD 🌟 An “extraordinary book” that is “highly recommended” - Paul Stamets 🌟 “The most comprehensive and data-based book on microdosing ever written” - Rick Doblin https://lnkd.in/e7AypiHv

This quote is from Alan Watts, a well known philosopher and writer who popularised religious and spiritual philosophies for Western audiences. The string of words helps to encapsulate the idea that everything is interconnected, and it resonates with the experience of realising that we are all part of a much larger, cosmic web. What do you make of it?

MAOIs are a key component that define the experience of ayahuasca. These compounds block the action of an enzyme which usually breaks down neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and DMT in the body. By inhibiting this enzyme, MAOIs allow the DMT from the other plant in the ayahuasca brew to remain active in the body, producing the intense psychedelic effects that ayahuasca is known for. Without the MAOIs, DMT would be broken down in the stomach before it could have any psychoactive effect, making the combination essential for the brew’s powerful, visionary experience.

Imagine standing beneath a starlit sky, gazing up at the infinite expanse of space. The more you look, the more you realise that what seems endless is just the beginning... a vast universe with galaxies, nebulae, and planets waiting to be explored. Now, consider the inner universe: your own consciousness, thoughts, and perceptions. What if psychedelics are the equivalent of a spaceship, capable of taking you on a journey through the depths of your own mind, revealing hidden connections and new perspectives on life, existence, and reality itself? Psychedelics, much like space exploration, challenge our understanding of what's possible. They offer a glimpse into realms of consciousness that were once thought unreachable, much like how a telescope unlocks the distant stars. For centuries, humanity has grappled with questions of existence, consciousness, and the nature of the universe. Psychedelics invite us to explore these mysteries not in abstract thought, but through direct experience.

Recent research sheds light on how people perceive psychedelic substances, revealing some fascinating insights into public attitudes. While psychedelics are often seen as risky when used recreationally, they're viewed more favourably when used for therapeutic purposes. What does this say about intention, set and setting? Psychedelics can be wonderful substances in both scenarios, but perhaps taken them in a therapeutic way means the user is more prepared for the ride. What do you think? https://lnkd.in/emDG7n2N

Society, Mental Health & the Magic of Fluff: In a world that can sometimes feel heavy, it’s important to give ourselves permission to soften - to find moments of lightness, even in the chaos. Society often pushes us to hustle, to achieve, to be ‘on’ all the time, but our mental health thrives in spaces where we can just be. Whether it’s cuddling up with your favourite blanket, taking a deep breath, or indulging in a little “fluff”, sometimes those simple, comforting things are exactly what we need to reset. Let’s remember to embrace the softer side of life. How do you find your fluff in the midst of a busy day?