Psychedelic drugs can reveal what your purpose truly is

Psychedelic drugs have the ability to evoke a profound sense of meaning and purpose in individuals.

What is psychedelic meaning and how does it work in the brain?

Psychedelic drugs are substances that can alter perception, mood, and cognition, often producing profound and sometimes mystical experiences. Many people who use psychedelics report that they feel a sense of meaning, purpose, and connection with themselves, others, and the universe. But what is psychedelic meaning and how does it arise in the brain?

One possible explanation is that psychedelics affect the serotonin system, which is a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, appetite, sleep, memory, and more. Serotonin has many different receptors in the brain, but one of them, the serotonin 2A receptor, seems to be particularly important for psychedelic effects. When psychedelics bind to this receptor, they trigger a cascade of changes in brain activity and connectivity, which can alter how we process information and experience reality.

One of the brain regions that is affected by psychedelics is the default-mode network (DMN), which is a set of interconnected areas that are active when we are not engaged in a specific task, such as daydreaming, remembering, or planning. The DMN is also involved in self-referential thought and narrative self, or the story we tell ourselves about who we are and what our life means. Psychedelics can reduce the activity and coherence of the DMN, which could lead to a dissolution of the ego or sense of self.

Another brain region that is influenced by psychedelics is the salience network (SN), which is a set of areas that help us determine what stimuli are relevant and important to us. The SN is also involved in emotion regulation, motivation, and decision making. Psychedelics can increase the activity and connectivity of the SN, which could enhance our attention and awareness of our surroundings and inner states.

The interaction between the DMN and the SN could be crucial for generating psychedelic meaning. When the DMN is weakened and the SN is strengthened, we may experience a shift in perspective and a reevaluation of what matters to us. We may also feel more connected to ourselves, others, and nature, as we transcend our usual boundaries and categories. We may also access deeper layers of our psyche, such as memories, emotions, or archetypes, that can reveal insights or truths about ourselves and our existence.

However, psychedelic meaning is not only a product of brain chemistry. It is also shaped by the context and culture in which we use psychedelics. The setting, or the physical and psychological environment in which we take psychedelics, can influence how we feel and what we experience. The set, or our mindset, expectations, intentions, and beliefs, can also affect our interpretation and integration of the experience. Moreover, the practices and traditions that we follow or learn from can guide us through the psychedelic journey and help us make sense of it.

Therefore, studying psychedelic meaning should not neglect the social, cultural, and political dimensions that frame the experience. Different cultures have different ways of using psychedelics for healing, spirituality, or recreation. Different settings can create different atmospheres and outcomes. Different practices can foster different skills and values. Psychedelic meaning is not a universal or objective phenomenon; it is a subjective and relational one.

Finally, psychedelic meaning is not an end in itself; it is a means to an end. The question is not only whether psychedelics can induce a sense of meaning in people; but whether they can help people live more meaningful lives. This may depend on how people integrate their psychedelic experiences into their everyday reality; how they apply their insights and lessons to their goals and challenges; how they relate to themselves and others; how they contribute to their communities and society; how they cope with adversity and uncertainty; how they grow and evolve as human beings.

Psychedelic meaning is a fascinating topic that deserves more attention and research.

Psychedelics can offer us a glimpse into a different way of being and knowing; but they are not magic pills that can solve all our problems or answer all our questions. They are tools that can help us explore ourselves and our world; but they require careful use and responsible follow-up. They are invitations to wonder and awe; but they also demand respect and humility.