Drawing While Tripping: How Do Psychedelics Affect Artistic Ability?

Psychedelics have long been associated with the enhancement of creativity, particularly artistic creativity, in the form of drawing, painting, and music. The artwork of Alex Grey and the music of Shpongle are clear products of adventures in psychedelic mindscapes. Creating artwork is also a popular activity while tripping (during moments when one isn’t having a…

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The Neuroscience of Out-of-Body Experiences

An out-of-body experience (OBE) is an altered state of consciousness in which someone feels their conscious awareness has left the confines of their physical body, able to perceive the outside world from a different vantage point. During an OBE, it is common for people to report seeing their body from a distance or to be…

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Flow States, Peak Experiences, and the Psychology of Well-Being

A ‘flow state’ is a state of deep focus and absorption when engaged in an activity, which involves a loss of self-consciousness and alterations to one’s sense of time. Flow states are common: they can occur when we are engaged in a variety of activities – from playing music to running – and in some…

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The Aesthetics of Despair: Why Are We Drawn to Bleak Films?

It may seem a strange thing to say, but I love bleak films. (Here’s a Letterboxd list of the bleakest films I’ve seen and loved.) On the other hand, it’s not really that strange, given that some of the bleakest films ever made are also considered masterpieces by many, and films full of despair with…

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The Dark Side of Kundalini Awakenings

Kundalini yoga is one non-drug method that can be used to induce spiritual experiences. A ‘kundalini awakening’ is a specific type of spiritual experience that can occur as a result of practising this form of yoga. This is typically experienced as an intense release of (what is considered) dormant energy, leading to a range of…

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