How Magic Mushrooms Can Help Us Heal From Trauma
Written by Julia Jayne | October 2023
EARLY TRAUMATIC EXPERIENCES
When life throws traumas our way, our brains have the incredible ability to compartmentalize and redirect our attention. It's essential to note that trauma isn't confined solely to physical events. During a child's formative years, a traumatic event could be as subtle as feeling rejected, unseen, unheard, unloved, ridiculed, or misunderstood by a parent, family member, fellow peers, or guardian figure. These events get isolated and extracted from our default mode network – the control center of our behaviors, patterns, and internal dialogue. The challenge is that out of sight, out of mind doesn’t mean resolved.
FAST FORWARD TO ADULTHOOD
Unprocessed childhood trauma manifests in various ways, from addictions (ranging from anorexia to alcoholism) and extremes (whether in sports or excessive tattoos) to mental disorders like depression and ADHD. It can also surface as a Type A overachiever, judgmental behavior, extreme competitiveness, rigidity, people-pleasing tendencies, dysfunctional relationships, financial struggles, chronic health issues, and the list goes on.
THE ROLE OF PSYCHEDELICS
When done right, psychedelics can become powerful accelerators for healing, delving straight into our default mode network and beyond.
However, here's a caveat: while magic mushrooms are indeed magic, they aren't miracle workers without our collaboration. It's a 50-50 relationship. Shrooms can work their magic, but we must open the gate to our internal world and welcome them in. How? We need to fully trust that we are safe, allow and let go. Trust leads to relaxation, and in that relaxed state, the medicine can seamlessly flow through us and do its work.
During a healing journey, psychedelics surge through every part of our brain, forging new connections and synapses. This process enables our default mode network to expand and communicate with so-called dormant or isolated areas (hence the term 'expanding your mind' – a literal and physical expansion).
Some of these 'dormant' areas may harbor traumatic experiences, which might surface as vivid visions or strong emotions. It's crucial to understand that it's not so much about what we see but what we feel during these visions. Understanding these emotions makes it easier to let go and move forward.
While you are in the medicine, don't dwell on potential fears or concerns. Instead, envision the medicine enhancing your synapses, forging new pathways. If you haven't seen "Fantastic Fungi" (available on Netflix), I highly recommend it. The documentary beautifully illustrates how mushroom mycelium functions as a nutrient highway, with endless branches linking trees and plants to deliver nutrients, water, and information.
As you consume the medicine, imagine the mycelium integrating into your brain, establishing connections in new ways and areas. Shift from your head and allow your heart to speak. Allow your emotions to flow through you, and take on the role of an observer in your own internal experience.
When the brain ceases its function, the heart keeps beating, and our body continues to live. However, when the heart stops, everything comes to a halt. Thus, do not underestimate the transformative power of shifting from your head to your heart. Our heart knows all the answers; it's the brain that gets in the way and causes us a lot of unnecessary pain.
A word of caution: Consuming magic mushrooms is a profound and potentially intense experience. It is crucial to undertake this journey with an established sitter or guide who is experienced and knowledgeable. Having someone on your side who understands the nuances of psychedelic experiences can be invaluable, especially when navigating through challenging moments. This ensures a safer and more supportive environment for your exploration. Approach this endeavor with mindfulness, respect for the substance, and a commitment to your well-being.
Equally important is the phase of integration that follows the healing journey. Integrating the insights gained during the psychedelic experience is crucial for lasting change. This involves seeking support from professionals such as coaches or therapists, engaging in reflective practices like journaling, exploring self-development literature, participating in relevant courses, spending time in nature, and nurturing overall well-being. Integrating these lessons into your daily life ensures that the transformative effects of the psychedelic experience become a lasting part of your personal growth journey.
Stay safe!
