Mindfulness and Psychedelics
Psychedelic Society Vienna, May 20th 2023,
Abstract: This talk will highlight the emerging affinities and shared contexts of mindfulness-based practices and pharmacologically induced altered states of consciousness.
The recent proliferation of mindfulness studies and the renaissance of psychedelic research has revealed significant overlap in the therapeutic effects, mechanisms of action, and areas of application of these two approaches. Furthermore, the mindfulness movement and the psychedelic renaissance share common historical contexts and are subject to the same cultural transformations. Against this background, the question arises: What can these two movements learn from one another? And can these different approaches be meaningfully integrated?
The first part of this talk will look at the cultural history of mindfulness, tracing its development from a Buddhist practice to a psychological construct with therapeutic applications, to a fad and mainstream consumer item – and in this light also outline the current and future uses of psychedelics. The second part will review recent research showing that pharmacologically induced experiences can lead to a significant increase in mindfulness-related abilities and that – conversely – mindfulness-related abilities can be a helpful resource for navigating altered states of consciousness and sustaining their therapeutic effects.
The talk will be rounded off with short guided mindfulness exercises and there will be plenty of time for questions and discussion.