When we think of psychedelics, we might imagine colorful visuals, altered states, and profound personal revelations. But beyond the kaleidoscope of experiences, there’s a real science to what’s happening in the brain during a “trip.” In this post, we’ll explore how psychedelics impact the mind and why some experiences can feel downright life-changing—like my own journey, where I experienced something deeply spiritual and transformative, allowing me to talk to what I believed was God and to begin a journey of truly loving myself.
The Brain on Psychedelics: What’s Going On? 🧠✨
Psychedelics like psilocybin (from magic mushrooms), LSD, and DMT work primarily by interacting with serotonin receptors in the brain, specifically the 5-HT2A receptors. These are responsible for regulating mood, perception, and cognition. Psychedelics don’t just affect one area—they reconnect the brain in fascinating ways.
- The Default Mode Network (DMN): This is the brain’s “resting state,” where we often get stuck in patterns of self-reflection, habitual thoughts, or rumination. Under psychedelics, the DMN “loosens up,” allowing us to step away from repetitive thought loops and see ourselves from a fresh, almost childlike perspective. This can make room for feelings of interconnectedness, wonder, and introspection.
- Increased Brain Connectivity: Normally separate areas of the brain suddenly start communicating in unique ways, creating a sense of expanded awareness. This is why, under psychedelics, we might experience synesthesia (such as seeing sounds or feeling colors) and feel heightened creativity.
- Ego Dissolution: Many describe the sensation of their “ego” disappearing—essentially, the boundary between the self and the world blurs. This can lead to profound spiritual experiences, like feeling at one with nature, the universe, or a divine entity.
A Personal Journey: My Conversation with God and the Path to Self-Love 🌌💖
My first experience with psychedelics was transformative. I had been struggling with self-doubt, feeling disconnected from myself, and carrying around a lot of self-criticism. While I was nervous about the experience, I set an intention: to be open, to face whatever came up, and, if possible, to learn how to love myself more.
What I didn’t expect was how deeply I would encounter exactly what I was looking for.
The Trip Begins… and Takes Me Somewhere Beyond Words
As the effects began, everything around me started to feel vibrant and alive. Colors danced in a way I’d never seen before, and I could feel my mind open. After a while, I closed my eyes and felt pulled into a space where time didn’t seem to exist. Then something unusual happened—an immense feeling of peace washed over me, like an invisible presence. And that’s when I began to feel as if I were in the presence of… God.
A Conversation with the Divine
I had no plan for what I was going to say or ask, but I found myself mentally asking, “Why can’t I love myself? Why is it so hard?”
The “response” wasn’t a voice exactly, but more like a wave of understanding. I felt an answer resonate within me: “You are loved simply because you exist. You don’t have to do anything to deserve love. You just have to let it in.”
In that moment, I felt what can only be described as unconditional love—something beyond my own comprehension of love. It was as if every part of me, even the parts I thought were unworthy, were seen and accepted. The experience left me in tears, but not from sadness; it was an overwhelming, beautiful relief.
The Aftermath: How the Trip Changed Me
Coming back to my ordinary state of mind, I realized something profound had shifted. I was aware that self-love wouldn’t be an instant fix, but I had experienced a glimpse of what it could feel like. I started viewing myself with more compassion and forgiveness, feeling connected not just to others, but to myself.
Since that experience, I’ve incorporated practices to help keep that perspective alive. Meditation, journaling, and moments of mindful breathing help me remember the love and peace I felt in that moment.
So, Why Do Psychedelics Create Experiences Like These?
Psychedelics allow the brain to bypass filters that usually reinforce our self-criticisms, traumas, and fears. With areas of the brain communicating more freely, we get to explore thoughts, memories, and feelings from a fresh perspective. This can lead to:
- Self-Reflection and Emotional Release: Psychedelics often allow us to face emotional pain directly, feeling it fully in a way that promotes healing.
- New Insights and Shifts in Belief: It’s common to gain insights that shift our self-image or worldview, allowing us to see ourselves with new compassion and understanding.
- Spiritual Encounters: For some, psychedelics can evoke a feeling of connecting with something bigger—a divine presence, a sense of unity, or the soul’s purpose.
Final Thoughts
Psychedelics aren’t a magic cure, and they require a lot of care, preparation, and respect. But for those who feel called to them, they can open doors to the parts of us that crave healing, peace, and self-love. My experience was just one of millions that point to how psychedelics help us connect with ourselves on a deeper level, and even, if we’re lucky, with something divine.
For those on a journey to self-love or healing, know that it’s okay to seek help, whether through therapy, meditation, or if it feels right, a guided psychedelic experience. Sometimes, the most healing thing we can do is simply remember that we are already whole.
