A New Way of Being Beyond Thought: Michael Pollan on Transcending the Ego
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Mar 14, 2025 Join Michael Pollan, celebrated author of 'How to Change Your Mind,' as he dives into the mind-bending world of psychedelics. He discusses how these substances can dissolve the ego, leading to transformative experiences. Pollan emphasizes the importance of surrender during such journeys and how it helps unlock profound insights. He also explores the brain's default mode network and its connection to self-identity, revealing how psychedelics can silence this network, paving the way for spiritual freedom and deeper self-awareness.
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Surrender to the Experience
- Surrender to the psychedelic experience, rather than fighting it.
- Accepting the experience, even the "dying" or "melting" feeling, reduces anxiety and paranoia.
Surrender in Daily Life
- Surrendering to internal experiences is beneficial beyond psychedelic use.
- Avoid suppressing and denying; accept the present moment.
Pollan's Ego Dissolution
- Michael Pollan describes his ego dissolving into "post-it notes" during a psychedelic experience.
- He observed this "death of the ego" with equanimity, realizing a separate, less selfish self.