TEDxMarin: Psychedelic Science and Medicine — Engaging Thoughts that Stimulated Our Minds
Last weekend, on June 10th, we attended TEDxMarin. It was a TEDxSalon event focused on an in-depth exploration of Psychedelic Science and Medicine. The lineup was thought-provoking and informative, guiding us through the cutting-edge world of psychedelic science and medicine. The distinguished speakers explored various topics, from the various types of psychedelic therapies to the ethical considerations surrounding these substances, their legal status, and the profound cultural implications they carry. The event also ventured into the intriguing realm of the human mind's and consciousness's complexities.
Congratulations to Bob Ayres, the License Holder of the event, and everyone else who participated in the organization; the event exceeded our expectations. That is why we shared a few thoughts from the event that sparked and engaged our minds.
By Miliica Radovic Mandic
THE JUICES OF LIFE ARE AUTHENTICITY AND PASSION
The event started with a short film created by Josh Izenberg — “Slomo: The Man Who Skated Right Off the Grid”. Watch the 15-minute documentary by clicking on the LINK.
In this short documentary, Slomo showed us the transformative power of following one’s passion and embracing an unconventional path. Slomo’s decision to leave behind a successful career as a doctor and dedicate his life to rollerblading along the beachfront exemplifies the importance of finding joy in the present moment, embracing simplicity, and prioritizing personal fulfilment over societal expectations. Slomo’s living in “the zone” inspires us to reflect on our own lives, urging us to question the conventional notions of success and happiness and to live authentically by rediscovering childlike joy and being true to our passions and desires.
EMBRACING DISCOMFORT LEADS TO PERSONAL GROWTH
The day's first speaker was ANDREW PENN RN, MS, NP, a Clinical Professor at the University of California, San Francisco. He talked about The State of Research in the Field of Psychedelic Science. He delivered the best speech and provided a great overview of psychedelic research. He predicted that psilocybin will be FDA-approved in the US in five years.
One thought that sparked our mind was Andrew's concept of Experiential Avoidance. Experiential Avoidance is the act of avoiding uncomfortable thoughts and emotions. This has become a pressing problem in our fast-paced world since it is easier to numb ourselves than to feel and be overwhelmed. Experiential Avoidance is a good coping mechanism but can stop our personal growth and worsen our emotional well-being because feelings are suppressed rather than processed. For global society to move forward, we urgently need to confront Experiential Avoidance and unlock personal growth. Seeking support from mental health professionals and engaging in mindfulness practices are vital. By being present and compassionate, we break free from avoidance chains and embrace the richness of our human experience.
PSYCHEDELICS TO THE MAINSTREAM OR MAINSTREAM MORE PSYCHEDELIC?
The day's second speaker was NICOLE HOWELL ESQ, an Attorney and Founding Board Member of the Psychedelic Bar Association. She provided a comprehensive overview of the legality of the psychedelic industry. Summary: we don’t know what we are doing, but we are trying to navigate this uncharted territory
The question that stayed with us even after the event was: Are we trying to bring psychedelics into the mainstream or make the mainstream more psychedelic? The answer is obvious: make the mainstream more psychedelic. This is because if we integrate psychedelic principles and values into institutions like healthcare and education, proponents aim to promote openness, empathy, and interconnectedness. A more psychedelic mainstream can facilitate personal and collective growth, enhance mental health, and offer alternative solutions to societal challenges. Mainstreaming psychedelic practices can also contribute to the destigmatization and responsible use of psychedelic substances while fostering a deeper connection with nature and ecological awareness.
WE ARE OUR OWN HEALER
The third speaker was DR. KWASI ADUSEI, Psychiatric Mental Health Practitioner. He was talking about The Power of New Narratives during Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy.
He shared great stories, but the most important lesson we brought home is that we hold the power to heal ourselves, and psychedelics can be a valuable tool in this process. By providing unique insights and expanding our consciousness, psychedelics can assist us in uncovering and confronting underlying issues. However, it is important to recognize that they are not a standalone solution but a catalyst for personal growth, requiring integration and ongoing personal work for lasting transformation.
THE PSYCHE IS NOT BOUND TO OUR BODY
The last speaker of the day was DAVID E. PRESTI, a biology, psychology, and cognitive science professor at UC Berkeley. He talked about The Nature of Mind and Consciousness and gave us a unique perspective on the relationship between psychedelics and our mind.
David made a statement that our psyche is not bound to our body and is a part of our larger web of consciousness. This is not a new theory, but its beauty always amazes us. Throughout history, numerous prominent theorists and professors have proposed that the psyche is not confined to our physical body. My favourite historical figure, Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung, known for his concept of the collective unconscious, argued that our consciousness extends beyond individual boundaries, connecting us to a broader universal psyche. Others contributed to this topic: philosopher and psychologist William James and physicist Erwin Schrödinger. Psychedelics can help us explore this idea of unified consciousness by altering our perception and facilitating experiences of expanded awareness. Exploring these altered states of consciousness can offer further data and understanding of the complex interplay between the mind, psyche, and the broader realms of existence.
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