The Psychedelic Nature of Islamic Art and Architecture

Islamic art and architecture are often called psychedelic in nature – and rightly so. Both the art and architecture from the Islamic world feature vibrant colours and intricate, geometric patterns, much like the kaleidoscopic patterns one can see during a psychedelic experience, either with eyes opened or closed. During psychedelic experiences, people may report seeing…

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The Link Between Psychedelics and Creativity

It has long been suggested that psychedelic drugs act as an aid for creativity. The link between psychedelics and creativity is based, largely, on anecdotes and the plethora of creative works inspired by these substances. However, scientific research does help to bolster this connection, too. With the flourishing of LSD use in the 1960s, the…

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The Therapeutic Value of Active Listening

Carl Rogers (1902 – 1987) was one of the founders of the humanistic approach to psychology, who developed his own particular approach known as client-centred therapy. Humanistic psychology emphasises an individual’s intrinsic desire for self-actualisation – the process of fully realising and manifesting one’s latent capacities. Rogers’ client-centred – or person-centred – approach, meanwhile, views…

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How Floatation Tanks Can Benefit Your Mental Health

Floatation tanks (otherwise known as sensory deprivation tanks or isolation tanks) are pitch black, soundproof tanks filled with salt water at skin temperature. Effectively, they allow you to float without sensory input. They are used for all sorts of reasons. Athletes use them in order to benefit their training and facilitate recovery from injuries. Meanwhile,…

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Why It’s Difficult to Recover From a Depressive Episode

Depressive episodes vary in length. One person may experience the symptoms of clinical depression for a month, whereas, for another, the episode could last a year. The real cruelty of depression, however, lies in the fact that the very nature of the condition makes it difficult to recover from. I describe depression as the ultimate…

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