Finders Course "Lite"

As a PSA, there is something of a coronavirus special for the Finders Course, a shortened 45 day version being offered for $120.  Starts this Saturday the 11th.

See Jeffery Martin with the details and the sales pitch here on Vimeo.

Could be good for people that need a little structure and motivation to jumpstart a meditation practice.

Mindfulness Reduces Paranoia

One week of mindfulness training can reduce paranoia

One of the main aspects of mindfulness is the ability to respond to internal experiences in a non-judgement way. In earlier research, non-judgement has also been identified as an important factor in predicting the effect of paranoid thinking, which is why the authors of the study decided to investigate this particular aspect of mindfulness.

Meditation and Mental Health

Self‐compassion and acceptance of experiences may explain the link between meditation and mental health

The study suggests that meditation is associated with improved mental health because of its relationship with self‐compassion, meaning in life, and the absence of experiential avoidance.

Psilocybin and Emotions

Emotional Adjustment: The Modulatory Influence of Psilocybin on the Amygdala

Psilocybin appears to modulate responses to emotional material in ways that are not currently understood.  Psilocybin "aggravates" the amygdala, in a way that would predict negative outcomes, while simultaneously decreasing the amygdala's connections to the prefrontal cortex, the latter seeming to be more important in this equation.

Ambient Meditation Music

Posted about Ambient Meditation Music on the meditation blog, note there are some free tracks available.

Single Psilocybin Dose Increases Mindfulness

A single psilocybin dose is associated with long-term increased mindfulness, preceded by a proportional change in neocortical 5-HT2A receptor binding

Changes were measured at a 3 month follow up.  These were relatively high doses, probably around the equivalent of 4.5 grams of dried mushrooms for a 70kg individual.

When You Take 550 Doses of LSD

This Is What Happens When You Take 550 Doses of LSD at Once

Not recommended, BTW.  Some anecdotes and info about accidental LSD overdoses.  Also see the old Massive Dosing - The LSD Thumbprint post.