New Books Network Black Beryl: Self and Nonself, with Nick Canby
Dec 12, 2025
Nick Canby, a clinical psychologist and visiting assistant professor at Brown University, dives into the complexities of the self, meditation, and psychedelics. He discusses what it means to lose one's sense of self and the potential pitfalls of experiencing oneness. Nick also explores the nuances of boundary changes associated with meditation, the role of supportive teachers, and how these experiences can sometimes lead to mental health challenges. His insights bridge spiritual and psychological frameworks, offering a fresh perspective on personal transformation.
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Self Is A Bundle Of Processes
- 'Self' is a cluster of processes from narrative identity to bodily subjectivity.
- Changes to any of these processes alter the lived sense of being a self.
Multiple Ways Boundaries Change
- Boundary changes take multiple forms: expansion, loss, insight-based reappraisal, interpersonal shifts, or body-object dissolutions.
- Different boundary types predict different psychological outcomes.
Context Shapes Positive vs Negative Shifts
- Reduction of boundaries often associates with positive outcomes when intentional and supported.
- Increased or distancing boundaries align more with dissociation, trauma, and negative outcomes.
