Can psychedelics enhance meditation?
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Yes, psychedelics can enhance meditation in several ways. According to , psychedelics like psilocybin can enhance meditation practices by offering experiences that may allow for enhanced metacognition, observing the mind and its activities with more skill and wisdom. He highlighted that while psychedelics provide experiences with hallucinations and altered thinking during their active phase, the significant element of these experiences in terms of brain rewiring occurs in the aftermath, known as the integration period, which can last for weeks or months. This post-experience phase is crucial for neuroplastic changes in the brain, similar to those seen with consistent meditation practices 1.
Additionally, stated that there used to be close conversations around psychedelics and meditation in earlier decades. Although discussions diverged over time, the foundational aspects of how both practices induce experiences of altered consciousness and potential long-term brain plasticity share similarities. The therapeutic potential of psychedelics, when used safely and responsibly, could be seen as complementary to meditation in modifying the brain's structure and function 2.
Both practices aim to affect consciousness and mental states, albeit in different ways, and when integrated appropriately, can potentially provide profound benefits to mental health and cognitive flexibility.
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