David Yaden, a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Johns Hopkins Medicine, dives into the fascinating psychology of self-transcendent experiences. He discusses how awe can combat anxiety and isolation, and explains the powerful role of psychedelics, particularly psilocybin, in inducing transformative moments. Yaden highlights the neuroscience behind these experiences and their potential for therapeutic applications. He also shares insights on finding everyday moments of awe and connection, emphasizing their significance for mental well-being.
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insights INSIGHT
Self-Transcendence and Mental Health
Self-transcendent experiences can reduce self-focus, which is common in anxiety and depression.
These experiences shift attention outwards, potentially alleviating negative rumination.
insights INSIGHT
Defining Self-Transcendence
Self-transcendent experiences involve decreased self-attention and increased feelings of connectedness.
They exist on a spectrum of intensity, from mindfulness to mystical experiences.
insights INSIGHT
Maslow's Contribution
Maslow highlighted that self-transcendent experiences (peak experiences) are not exclusive to religious individuals.
Both believers and non-believers can have these profound experiences.
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What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendence
Michael Pollan
In this book, Michael Pollan delves into the history of psychedelic drugs, from their rise in the 1960s to their current resurgence in medical research. He combines historical and scientific analysis with personal narratives of his own experiences with psychedelics, such as LSD and psilocybin. The book explores how these substances are being used to treat conditions like depression, addiction, and anxiety, and discusses their potential to revolutionize our understanding of the human mind and consciousness. Pollan's work is a blend of science, memoir, and travel writing, offering a nuanced and engaging look at the therapeutic and spiritual benefits of psychedelics[1][2][4].
Transcend
The New Science of Self-Actualization
Scott Barry Kaufman
In this groundbreaking book, Scott Barry Kaufman updates Maslow's hierarchy of needs by integrating Maslow's unfinished theory of transcendence with the latest research on attachment, connection, creativity, love, and purpose. Kaufman's new hierarchy of needs serves as a roadmap for finding purpose and fulfillment by becoming the best version of oneself, rather than striving for money, success, or happiness. The book emphasizes the importance of merging self-development with a connection to the world, highlighting that self-actualization requires both individual growth and a deep integration with others. It includes never-before-published insights, new research findings, and exercises to help readers gain insight into their unique personality and nurture a deeper connection with their highest potential and humanity.
Today it’s great to have David Yaden on the podcast. Dr. Yaden is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Johns Hopkins Medicine. His research focus is on the psychology, neuroscience, and pharmacology of transformative and self-transcendent experiences. He is currently focusing on the therapeutic potential of psychedelics. His scientific and scholarly work has been covered by The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, New York Magazine, and NPR.
In this episode we discuss:
The applicability of self-transcendent experiences to the current moment
The definition of self-transcendent experiences
Andrew Newberg’s pioneering work on the neuroscience of self-transcendent experiences
Abraham Maslow’s role in the history of the scientific investigation of self-transcendent experiences
The “everyperson’s spiritual experience”
The two main components of awe
The main characteristics of awe
Awe vs. flow
The role of technology in triggering self-transcendent experiences
The triggers of self-transcendent experiences
The limitations of interventions to induce self-transcendent experiences
How we can seek out little moments of awe, gratitude, and mindfulness
How psilocybin can induce very intense self-transcendent experiences
The potential for psychedelic therapy sessions
The neuroscience underlying the therapeutic benefit of psychedelics
How psychedelic experiences can impact our connection with close others
The Psychology Podcast 
