On Our Bookshelf: Psychedelics

Darnell Lamont Walker leading Rituals Writing Workshop
Category:
Mind

Though the war on drugs largely banished these transformative tools for five decades, new studies are revealing the remarkable benefits of psychedelics. With legislation to decriminalize spreading across the country, these potentially life-changing substances are on the cusp of a great return — not by the counterculture but the mainstream! So if you’re curious to play with dream and reality (or just want to learn a bit more), we’ve created a reading list to expand the mind while honoring the field’s most distinguished pioneers: Huxley, Fadiman, McKenna, Grof — each with a long history at Esalen. 


The Doors of Perception and Heaven and Hell

by Aldous Huxley 

Part autobiography, part transcendental/philosophical essay, this is Huxley’s first-person account of his thoughts and experiences after being given 4/10 of a gram of mescaline in May 1953 by Humphry Osmond, the psychiatrist who coined the term “psychedelics.” With senses and thought processes cleansed, the Brave New World author burns bright with observations on spirituality, music, philosophy, beauty, art and the visual world — reveling in his drug-induced heightened appreciation for it all. Published in 1954, this might not be the best pick for learning about the contemporary science of psychedelics; there are more up-to-date texts for that. However, if you wish to “break on through” (yes, this book inspired the name of Jim Morrison’s band, The Doors) and ride alongside an early psychonaut as he is mid-flight, here is your ticket. 

LSD: Doorway to the Numinous: The Groundbreaking Psychedelic Research into Realms of the Human Unconscious

by Stanislav Grof 

Before this esteemed faculty member (who is also one of the founders and chief theoreticians of transpersonal psychology) developed Holotropic Breathwork here at Esalen with his late wife, Christina, he was a Czech medical student researching the therapeutic potential of LSD. Covering his first 17 years of research and based on his 2,500 clinical sessions using the drug as a therapeutic tool, this book (originally published as Realms of the Human Unconsciousness in 1975) maps the landscape of consciousness, touching on shamanism, near-death experiences, and other altered states. It’s the first in a series by Grof on this subject, including LSD Psychotherapy and The Cosmic Game, with each title concentrating on a different aspect of the drug, from practical treatment options to its philosophical, metaphysical, and spiritual dimensions. But start here for your introduction to the determined, focused voice of the trailblazer who helped introduce this transformative compound to the world.

Psychedelic Justice: Toward a Diverse and Equitable Psychedelic Culture

by Bia Caiuby Labate, Clancy Cavnar 

To ensure that this psychedelic renaissance births a new era that is both fair and open for all the generations to come, the co-founders of the Chacruna Institute — a non-profit organization that provides public education about plant medicine and promotes “a bridge between the ceremonial use of sacred plants and psychedelic science” — have assembled this anthology to call for social justice and change within the community. Essays are divided into five sections: “Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity”; “Perspectives on Cultural Appropriation, Colonialism, and Globalization of Plant Medicines”; “Psychedelics and Western Culture”; “Queer”; “Sex and Power”; and “Sustainability, Policy and Reciprocity.” Though critical of past failures and concerned about an emergent “psychedelic capitalism,” Psychedelic Justice is hopeful at its core. From the preface: “Simply put, psychedelics might be the lubricant we need to turn the gears of a justice revolution.” A resource for all who want the world of psychedelics to be one that is wise, just, and honorable.

Food of the Gods: The Search for the Original Tree of Knowledge: A Radical History of Plants, Drugs, and Human Evolution 

by Terence McKenna

In his all-too-short and adventurous life, the famed ethnobotanist created some mind-blowing recordings (the McKenna lectures at Esalen can be found here, here, and here) and a handful of books. In Food of the Gods, he urges readers to use psychedelics — a better path to spirituality, he says, than our current religions — and proselytizes his Stoned Ape hypothesis: mushrooms as the “missing link” in the story of human evolution. The minds of our ancient ancestors expanded because of hallucinogens; psilocybin in the hominid diet pulled us out of the darkness into consciousness, language, and art. Called the "Timothy Leary of the '90s" by many (including Leary), McKenna contends that we now crave coffee, tobacco, booze, and sugar — all the destructive addictions our “dominator” consumer culture pushes — because we’re being denied the ambrosia which once uplifted minds and spirits. He argues psychedelic use isn’t merely glorious and beneficial but a matter of basic survival; separation from the “tree of knowledge” will lead to society's destruction. An extraordinary, entertaining, one-of-a-kind genius. If only he could have lived to witness today’s psychedelics reawakening to guide, inspire, and be amazed by all that’s happening now. 

A Really Good Day: How Microdosing Made a Mega Difference in My Mood, My Marriage, and My Life 

by Ayelet Waldman 

When her prescribed medications stopped effectively managing her mood disorder, Ayelet Waldman spiraled into suicidal ideation, even going so far as to "evaluate the contents of my medicine cabinet to see what would kill me the most effectively." Luckily, the author of Bad Mother and Love and Treasure spotted an unread title on her bookshelf: James Fadiman's The Psychedelic Explorer's Guide. That seminal work, along with a phone call with Fadiman himself, led Waldman to self-administering very low, sub-hallucinogenic doses of LSD. After just a few drops, colors, beauty, and a capacity for joy returned. While documenting her 10-cycle LSD experience — two days on, one day off — Waldman mixes in thoughtful meditations on the history of psychedelics, her mental illness, her family, and her marriage to one of the world's most acclaimed living novelists, Michael Chabon. Also included are her insights as a former prosecutor and law professor on our legal system's failed and hypocritical war on drugs. Brave, bracing, and highly self-aware, the book was written within her treatment period: a single month. Such a burst of creativity and connectivity itself makes the author's point: There is potent power in this forbidden therapy.

The Psychedelic Explorer's Guide: Safe, Therapeutic, and Sacred Journeys

by James Fadiman

Finally, we recommend this 2011 book from the father of the modern microdosing movement and one of Esalen’s very first teachers. (After leading The Expanding Vision on campus in the fall of 1962, Fadiman has maintained a lifelong association with the institute.) With unparalleled expertise and extensive research, this practical guide for responsible use has undoubtedly saved many lives (including Waldman’s) and is the ultimate handbook for anyone considering this treatment journey. Readers are led through best practices at three different levels of psychedelic uses: spiritual (high), therapeutic (moderate), and problem-solving (low/microdose). Always informative, Fadiman dispels myths, offers advice, and reveals life-changing experiences, both his own and those of his friends, including Ram Dass, Timothy Leary, and Aldous Huxley.

“Remembering to be as self compassionate as I can and praying to the divine that we're all a part of.” 
–Aaron

“Prayer, reading, meditation, walking.”
–Karen
“Erratically — which is an ongoing stream of practice to find peace.”
–Charles
“Try on a daily basis to be kind to myself and to realize that making mistakes is a part of the human condition. Learning from our mistakes is a journey. But it starts with compassion and caring. First for oneself.”
–Steve

“Physically: aerobic exercise, volleyball, ice hockey, cycling, sailing. Emotionally: unfortunately I have to work to ‘not care’ about people or situations which may end painfully. Along the lines of ‘attachment is the source of suffering’, so best to avoid it or limit its scope. Sad though because it could also be the source of great joy. Is it worth the risk?“
–Rainer

“It's time for my heart to be nurtured on one level yet contained on another. To go easy on me and to allow my feelings to be validated, not judged harshly. On the other hand, to let the heart rule with equanimity and not lead the mind and body around like a master.”
–Suzanne

“I spend time thinking of everything I am grateful for, and I try to develop my ability to express compassion for myself and others without reservation. I take time to do the things I need to do to keep myself healthy and happy. This includes taking experiential workshops, fostering relationships, and participating within groups which have a similar interest to become a more compassionate and fulfilled being.“
–Peter

“Self-forgiveness for my own judgments. And oh yeah, coming to Esalen.”
–David B.

“Hmm, this is a tough one! I guess I take care of my heart through fostering relationships with people I feel connected to. Spending quality time with them (whether we're on the phone, through messages/letters, on Zoom, or in-person). Being there for them, listening to them, sharing what's going on with me, my struggles and my successes... like we do in the Esalen weekly Friends of Esalen Zoom sessions!”
–Lori

“I remind myself in many ways of the fact that " Love is all there is!" LOVE is the prize and this one precious life is the stage we get to learn our lessons. I get out into nature, hike, camp, river kayak, fly fish, garden, I create, I dance (not enough!), and I remain grateful for each day, each breath, each moment. Being in the moment, awake, and remembering the gift of life and my feeling of gratitude for all of creation.”
–Steven
“My physical heart by limiting stress and eating a heart-healthy diet. My emotional heart by staying in love with the world and by knowing that all disappointment and loss will pass.“
–David Z.


Today, September 29, is World Heart Day. Strike up a conversation with your own heart and as you feel comfortable, encourage others to do the same. As part of our own transformations and self-care, we sometimes ask for others to illuminate and enliven our hearts or speak our love language.

What if we could do this for ourselves too, even if just for today… or to start a heart practice, forever?


If you would like even more of this Jim Fadiman’s wise counsel, register for the online workshop he is leading with Adam Bramlage on January 14: Microdosing: The Safe, Surprising, and Emerging Psychedelic Frontier.

Register Now

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Darnell Lamont Walker leading Rituals Writing Workshop
On Our Bookshelf: Psychedelics
Category:
Mind

Though the war on drugs largely banished these transformative tools for five decades, new studies are revealing the remarkable benefits of psychedelics. With legislation to decriminalize spreading across the country, these potentially life-changing substances are on the cusp of a great return — not by the counterculture but the mainstream! So if you’re curious to play with dream and reality (or just want to learn a bit more), we’ve created a reading list to expand the mind while honoring the field’s most distinguished pioneers: Huxley, Fadiman, McKenna, Grof — each with a long history at Esalen. 


The Doors of Perception and Heaven and Hell

by Aldous Huxley 

Part autobiography, part transcendental/philosophical essay, this is Huxley’s first-person account of his thoughts and experiences after being given 4/10 of a gram of mescaline in May 1953 by Humphry Osmond, the psychiatrist who coined the term “psychedelics.” With senses and thought processes cleansed, the Brave New World author burns bright with observations on spirituality, music, philosophy, beauty, art and the visual world — reveling in his drug-induced heightened appreciation for it all. Published in 1954, this might not be the best pick for learning about the contemporary science of psychedelics; there are more up-to-date texts for that. However, if you wish to “break on through” (yes, this book inspired the name of Jim Morrison’s band, The Doors) and ride alongside an early psychonaut as he is mid-flight, here is your ticket. 

LSD: Doorway to the Numinous: The Groundbreaking Psychedelic Research into Realms of the Human Unconscious

by Stanislav Grof 

Before this esteemed faculty member (who is also one of the founders and chief theoreticians of transpersonal psychology) developed Holotropic Breathwork here at Esalen with his late wife, Christina, he was a Czech medical student researching the therapeutic potential of LSD. Covering his first 17 years of research and based on his 2,500 clinical sessions using the drug as a therapeutic tool, this book (originally published as Realms of the Human Unconsciousness in 1975) maps the landscape of consciousness, touching on shamanism, near-death experiences, and other altered states. It’s the first in a series by Grof on this subject, including LSD Psychotherapy and The Cosmic Game, with each title concentrating on a different aspect of the drug, from practical treatment options to its philosophical, metaphysical, and spiritual dimensions. But start here for your introduction to the determined, focused voice of the trailblazer who helped introduce this transformative compound to the world.

Psychedelic Justice: Toward a Diverse and Equitable Psychedelic Culture

by Bia Caiuby Labate, Clancy Cavnar 

To ensure that this psychedelic renaissance births a new era that is both fair and open for all the generations to come, the co-founders of the Chacruna Institute — a non-profit organization that provides public education about plant medicine and promotes “a bridge between the ceremonial use of sacred plants and psychedelic science” — have assembled this anthology to call for social justice and change within the community. Essays are divided into five sections: “Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity”; “Perspectives on Cultural Appropriation, Colonialism, and Globalization of Plant Medicines”; “Psychedelics and Western Culture”; “Queer”; “Sex and Power”; and “Sustainability, Policy and Reciprocity.” Though critical of past failures and concerned about an emergent “psychedelic capitalism,” Psychedelic Justice is hopeful at its core. From the preface: “Simply put, psychedelics might be the lubricant we need to turn the gears of a justice revolution.” A resource for all who want the world of psychedelics to be one that is wise, just, and honorable.

Food of the Gods: The Search for the Original Tree of Knowledge: A Radical History of Plants, Drugs, and Human Evolution 

by Terence McKenna

In his all-too-short and adventurous life, the famed ethnobotanist created some mind-blowing recordings (the McKenna lectures at Esalen can be found here, here, and here) and a handful of books. In Food of the Gods, he urges readers to use psychedelics — a better path to spirituality, he says, than our current religions — and proselytizes his Stoned Ape hypothesis: mushrooms as the “missing link” in the story of human evolution. The minds of our ancient ancestors expanded because of hallucinogens; psilocybin in the hominid diet pulled us out of the darkness into consciousness, language, and art. Called the "Timothy Leary of the '90s" by many (including Leary), McKenna contends that we now crave coffee, tobacco, booze, and sugar — all the destructive addictions our “dominator” consumer culture pushes — because we’re being denied the ambrosia which once uplifted minds and spirits. He argues psychedelic use isn’t merely glorious and beneficial but a matter of basic survival; separation from the “tree of knowledge” will lead to society's destruction. An extraordinary, entertaining, one-of-a-kind genius. If only he could have lived to witness today’s psychedelics reawakening to guide, inspire, and be amazed by all that’s happening now. 

A Really Good Day: How Microdosing Made a Mega Difference in My Mood, My Marriage, and My Life 

by Ayelet Waldman 

When her prescribed medications stopped effectively managing her mood disorder, Ayelet Waldman spiraled into suicidal ideation, even going so far as to "evaluate the contents of my medicine cabinet to see what would kill me the most effectively." Luckily, the author of Bad Mother and Love and Treasure spotted an unread title on her bookshelf: James Fadiman's The Psychedelic Explorer's Guide. That seminal work, along with a phone call with Fadiman himself, led Waldman to self-administering very low, sub-hallucinogenic doses of LSD. After just a few drops, colors, beauty, and a capacity for joy returned. While documenting her 10-cycle LSD experience — two days on, one day off — Waldman mixes in thoughtful meditations on the history of psychedelics, her mental illness, her family, and her marriage to one of the world's most acclaimed living novelists, Michael Chabon. Also included are her insights as a former prosecutor and law professor on our legal system's failed and hypocritical war on drugs. Brave, bracing, and highly self-aware, the book was written within her treatment period: a single month. Such a burst of creativity and connectivity itself makes the author's point: There is potent power in this forbidden therapy.

The Psychedelic Explorer's Guide: Safe, Therapeutic, and Sacred Journeys

by James Fadiman

Finally, we recommend this 2011 book from the father of the modern microdosing movement and one of Esalen’s very first teachers. (After leading The Expanding Vision on campus in the fall of 1962, Fadiman has maintained a lifelong association with the institute.) With unparalleled expertise and extensive research, this practical guide for responsible use has undoubtedly saved many lives (including Waldman’s) and is the ultimate handbook for anyone considering this treatment journey. Readers are led through best practices at three different levels of psychedelic uses: spiritual (high), therapeutic (moderate), and problem-solving (low/microdose). Always informative, Fadiman dispels myths, offers advice, and reveals life-changing experiences, both his own and those of his friends, including Ram Dass, Timothy Leary, and Aldous Huxley.

“Remembering to be as self compassionate as I can and praying to the divine that we're all a part of.” 
–Aaron

“Prayer, reading, meditation, walking.”
–Karen
“Erratically — which is an ongoing stream of practice to find peace.”
–Charles
“Try on a daily basis to be kind to myself and to realize that making mistakes is a part of the human condition. Learning from our mistakes is a journey. But it starts with compassion and caring. First for oneself.”
–Steve

“Physically: aerobic exercise, volleyball, ice hockey, cycling, sailing. Emotionally: unfortunately I have to work to ‘not care’ about people or situations which may end painfully. Along the lines of ‘attachment is the source of suffering’, so best to avoid it or limit its scope. Sad though because it could also be the source of great joy. Is it worth the risk?“
–Rainer

“It's time for my heart to be nurtured on one level yet contained on another. To go easy on me and to allow my feelings to be validated, not judged harshly. On the other hand, to let the heart rule with equanimity and not lead the mind and body around like a master.”
–Suzanne

“I spend time thinking of everything I am grateful for, and I try to develop my ability to express compassion for myself and others without reservation. I take time to do the things I need to do to keep myself healthy and happy. This includes taking experiential workshops, fostering relationships, and participating within groups which have a similar interest to become a more compassionate and fulfilled being.“
–Peter

“Self-forgiveness for my own judgments. And oh yeah, coming to Esalen.”
–David B.

“Hmm, this is a tough one! I guess I take care of my heart through fostering relationships with people I feel connected to. Spending quality time with them (whether we're on the phone, through messages/letters, on Zoom, or in-person). Being there for them, listening to them, sharing what's going on with me, my struggles and my successes... like we do in the Esalen weekly Friends of Esalen Zoom sessions!”
–Lori

“I remind myself in many ways of the fact that " Love is all there is!" LOVE is the prize and this one precious life is the stage we get to learn our lessons. I get out into nature, hike, camp, river kayak, fly fish, garden, I create, I dance (not enough!), and I remain grateful for each day, each breath, each moment. Being in the moment, awake, and remembering the gift of life and my feeling of gratitude for all of creation.”
–Steven
“My physical heart by limiting stress and eating a heart-healthy diet. My emotional heart by staying in love with the world and by knowing that all disappointment and loss will pass.“
–David Z.


Today, September 29, is World Heart Day. Strike up a conversation with your own heart and as you feel comfortable, encourage others to do the same. As part of our own transformations and self-care, we sometimes ask for others to illuminate and enliven our hearts or speak our love language.

What if we could do this for ourselves too, even if just for today… or to start a heart practice, forever?


If you would like even more of this Jim Fadiman’s wise counsel, register for the online workshop he is leading with Adam Bramlage on January 14: Microdosing: The Safe, Surprising, and Emerging Psychedelic Frontier.

Register Now

About

Esalen Team

On Our Bookshelf: Psychedelics

About

Esalen Team

< Back to all articles

Darnell Lamont Walker leading Rituals Writing Workshop
Category:
Mind

Though the war on drugs largely banished these transformative tools for five decades, new studies are revealing the remarkable benefits of psychedelics. With legislation to decriminalize spreading across the country, these potentially life-changing substances are on the cusp of a great return — not by the counterculture but the mainstream! So if you’re curious to play with dream and reality (or just want to learn a bit more), we’ve created a reading list to expand the mind while honoring the field’s most distinguished pioneers: Huxley, Fadiman, McKenna, Grof — each with a long history at Esalen. 


The Doors of Perception and Heaven and Hell

by Aldous Huxley 

Part autobiography, part transcendental/philosophical essay, this is Huxley’s first-person account of his thoughts and experiences after being given 4/10 of a gram of mescaline in May 1953 by Humphry Osmond, the psychiatrist who coined the term “psychedelics.” With senses and thought processes cleansed, the Brave New World author burns bright with observations on spirituality, music, philosophy, beauty, art and the visual world — reveling in his drug-induced heightened appreciation for it all. Published in 1954, this might not be the best pick for learning about the contemporary science of psychedelics; there are more up-to-date texts for that. However, if you wish to “break on through” (yes, this book inspired the name of Jim Morrison’s band, The Doors) and ride alongside an early psychonaut as he is mid-flight, here is your ticket. 

LSD: Doorway to the Numinous: The Groundbreaking Psychedelic Research into Realms of the Human Unconscious

by Stanislav Grof 

Before this esteemed faculty member (who is also one of the founders and chief theoreticians of transpersonal psychology) developed Holotropic Breathwork here at Esalen with his late wife, Christina, he was a Czech medical student researching the therapeutic potential of LSD. Covering his first 17 years of research and based on his 2,500 clinical sessions using the drug as a therapeutic tool, this book (originally published as Realms of the Human Unconsciousness in 1975) maps the landscape of consciousness, touching on shamanism, near-death experiences, and other altered states. It’s the first in a series by Grof on this subject, including LSD Psychotherapy and The Cosmic Game, with each title concentrating on a different aspect of the drug, from practical treatment options to its philosophical, metaphysical, and spiritual dimensions. But start here for your introduction to the determined, focused voice of the trailblazer who helped introduce this transformative compound to the world.

Psychedelic Justice: Toward a Diverse and Equitable Psychedelic Culture

by Bia Caiuby Labate, Clancy Cavnar 

To ensure that this psychedelic renaissance births a new era that is both fair and open for all the generations to come, the co-founders of the Chacruna Institute — a non-profit organization that provides public education about plant medicine and promotes “a bridge between the ceremonial use of sacred plants and psychedelic science” — have assembled this anthology to call for social justice and change within the community. Essays are divided into five sections: “Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity”; “Perspectives on Cultural Appropriation, Colonialism, and Globalization of Plant Medicines”; “Psychedelics and Western Culture”; “Queer”; “Sex and Power”; and “Sustainability, Policy and Reciprocity.” Though critical of past failures and concerned about an emergent “psychedelic capitalism,” Psychedelic Justice is hopeful at its core. From the preface: “Simply put, psychedelics might be the lubricant we need to turn the gears of a justice revolution.” A resource for all who want the world of psychedelics to be one that is wise, just, and honorable.

Food of the Gods: The Search for the Original Tree of Knowledge: A Radical History of Plants, Drugs, and Human Evolution 

by Terence McKenna

In his all-too-short and adventurous life, the famed ethnobotanist created some mind-blowing recordings (the McKenna lectures at Esalen can be found here, here, and here) and a handful of books. In Food of the Gods, he urges readers to use psychedelics — a better path to spirituality, he says, than our current religions — and proselytizes his Stoned Ape hypothesis: mushrooms as the “missing link” in the story of human evolution. The minds of our ancient ancestors expanded because of hallucinogens; psilocybin in the hominid diet pulled us out of the darkness into consciousness, language, and art. Called the "Timothy Leary of the '90s" by many (including Leary), McKenna contends that we now crave coffee, tobacco, booze, and sugar — all the destructive addictions our “dominator” consumer culture pushes — because we’re being denied the ambrosia which once uplifted minds and spirits. He argues psychedelic use isn’t merely glorious and beneficial but a matter of basic survival; separation from the “tree of knowledge” will lead to society's destruction. An extraordinary, entertaining, one-of-a-kind genius. If only he could have lived to witness today’s psychedelics reawakening to guide, inspire, and be amazed by all that’s happening now. 

A Really Good Day: How Microdosing Made a Mega Difference in My Mood, My Marriage, and My Life 

by Ayelet Waldman 

When her prescribed medications stopped effectively managing her mood disorder, Ayelet Waldman spiraled into suicidal ideation, even going so far as to "evaluate the contents of my medicine cabinet to see what would kill me the most effectively." Luckily, the author of Bad Mother and Love and Treasure spotted an unread title on her bookshelf: James Fadiman's The Psychedelic Explorer's Guide. That seminal work, along with a phone call with Fadiman himself, led Waldman to self-administering very low, sub-hallucinogenic doses of LSD. After just a few drops, colors, beauty, and a capacity for joy returned. While documenting her 10-cycle LSD experience — two days on, one day off — Waldman mixes in thoughtful meditations on the history of psychedelics, her mental illness, her family, and her marriage to one of the world's most acclaimed living novelists, Michael Chabon. Also included are her insights as a former prosecutor and law professor on our legal system's failed and hypocritical war on drugs. Brave, bracing, and highly self-aware, the book was written within her treatment period: a single month. Such a burst of creativity and connectivity itself makes the author's point: There is potent power in this forbidden therapy.

The Psychedelic Explorer's Guide: Safe, Therapeutic, and Sacred Journeys

by James Fadiman

Finally, we recommend this 2011 book from the father of the modern microdosing movement and one of Esalen’s very first teachers. (After leading The Expanding Vision on campus in the fall of 1962, Fadiman has maintained a lifelong association with the institute.) With unparalleled expertise and extensive research, this practical guide for responsible use has undoubtedly saved many lives (including Waldman’s) and is the ultimate handbook for anyone considering this treatment journey. Readers are led through best practices at three different levels of psychedelic uses: spiritual (high), therapeutic (moderate), and problem-solving (low/microdose). Always informative, Fadiman dispels myths, offers advice, and reveals life-changing experiences, both his own and those of his friends, including Ram Dass, Timothy Leary, and Aldous Huxley.

“Remembering to be as self compassionate as I can and praying to the divine that we're all a part of.” 
–Aaron

“Prayer, reading, meditation, walking.”
–Karen
“Erratically — which is an ongoing stream of practice to find peace.”
–Charles
“Try on a daily basis to be kind to myself and to realize that making mistakes is a part of the human condition. Learning from our mistakes is a journey. But it starts with compassion and caring. First for oneself.”
–Steve

“Physically: aerobic exercise, volleyball, ice hockey, cycling, sailing. Emotionally: unfortunately I have to work to ‘not care’ about people or situations which may end painfully. Along the lines of ‘attachment is the source of suffering’, so best to avoid it or limit its scope. Sad though because it could also be the source of great joy. Is it worth the risk?“
–Rainer

“It's time for my heart to be nurtured on one level yet contained on another. To go easy on me and to allow my feelings to be validated, not judged harshly. On the other hand, to let the heart rule with equanimity and not lead the mind and body around like a master.”
–Suzanne

“I spend time thinking of everything I am grateful for, and I try to develop my ability to express compassion for myself and others without reservation. I take time to do the things I need to do to keep myself healthy and happy. This includes taking experiential workshops, fostering relationships, and participating within groups which have a similar interest to become a more compassionate and fulfilled being.“
–Peter

“Self-forgiveness for my own judgments. And oh yeah, coming to Esalen.”
–David B.

“Hmm, this is a tough one! I guess I take care of my heart through fostering relationships with people I feel connected to. Spending quality time with them (whether we're on the phone, through messages/letters, on Zoom, or in-person). Being there for them, listening to them, sharing what's going on with me, my struggles and my successes... like we do in the Esalen weekly Friends of Esalen Zoom sessions!”
–Lori

“I remind myself in many ways of the fact that " Love is all there is!" LOVE is the prize and this one precious life is the stage we get to learn our lessons. I get out into nature, hike, camp, river kayak, fly fish, garden, I create, I dance (not enough!), and I remain grateful for each day, each breath, each moment. Being in the moment, awake, and remembering the gift of life and my feeling of gratitude for all of creation.”
–Steven
“My physical heart by limiting stress and eating a heart-healthy diet. My emotional heart by staying in love with the world and by knowing that all disappointment and loss will pass.“
–David Z.


Today, September 29, is World Heart Day. Strike up a conversation with your own heart and as you feel comfortable, encourage others to do the same. As part of our own transformations and self-care, we sometimes ask for others to illuminate and enliven our hearts or speak our love language.

What if we could do this for ourselves too, even if just for today… or to start a heart practice, forever?


If you would like even more of this Jim Fadiman’s wise counsel, register for the online workshop he is leading with Adam Bramlage on January 14: Microdosing: The Safe, Surprising, and Emerging Psychedelic Frontier.

Register Now

About

Esalen Team

< Back to all Journal posts

Darnell Lamont Walker leading Rituals Writing Workshop
On Our Bookshelf: Psychedelics
Category:
Mind

Though the war on drugs largely banished these transformative tools for five decades, new studies are revealing the remarkable benefits of psychedelics. With legislation to decriminalize spreading across the country, these potentially life-changing substances are on the cusp of a great return — not by the counterculture but the mainstream! So if you’re curious to play with dream and reality (or just want to learn a bit more), we’ve created a reading list to expand the mind while honoring the field’s most distinguished pioneers: Huxley, Fadiman, McKenna, Grof — each with a long history at Esalen. 


The Doors of Perception and Heaven and Hell

by Aldous Huxley 

Part autobiography, part transcendental/philosophical essay, this is Huxley’s first-person account of his thoughts and experiences after being given 4/10 of a gram of mescaline in May 1953 by Humphry Osmond, the psychiatrist who coined the term “psychedelics.” With senses and thought processes cleansed, the Brave New World author burns bright with observations on spirituality, music, philosophy, beauty, art and the visual world — reveling in his drug-induced heightened appreciation for it all. Published in 1954, this might not be the best pick for learning about the contemporary science of psychedelics; there are more up-to-date texts for that. However, if you wish to “break on through” (yes, this book inspired the name of Jim Morrison’s band, The Doors) and ride alongside an early psychonaut as he is mid-flight, here is your ticket. 

LSD: Doorway to the Numinous: The Groundbreaking Psychedelic Research into Realms of the Human Unconscious

by Stanislav Grof 

Before this esteemed faculty member (who is also one of the founders and chief theoreticians of transpersonal psychology) developed Holotropic Breathwork here at Esalen with his late wife, Christina, he was a Czech medical student researching the therapeutic potential of LSD. Covering his first 17 years of research and based on his 2,500 clinical sessions using the drug as a therapeutic tool, this book (originally published as Realms of the Human Unconsciousness in 1975) maps the landscape of consciousness, touching on shamanism, near-death experiences, and other altered states. It’s the first in a series by Grof on this subject, including LSD Psychotherapy and The Cosmic Game, with each title concentrating on a different aspect of the drug, from practical treatment options to its philosophical, metaphysical, and spiritual dimensions. But start here for your introduction to the determined, focused voice of the trailblazer who helped introduce this transformative compound to the world.

Psychedelic Justice: Toward a Diverse and Equitable Psychedelic Culture

by Bia Caiuby Labate, Clancy Cavnar 

To ensure that this psychedelic renaissance births a new era that is both fair and open for all the generations to come, the co-founders of the Chacruna Institute — a non-profit organization that provides public education about plant medicine and promotes “a bridge between the ceremonial use of sacred plants and psychedelic science” — have assembled this anthology to call for social justice and change within the community. Essays are divided into five sections: “Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity”; “Perspectives on Cultural Appropriation, Colonialism, and Globalization of Plant Medicines”; “Psychedelics and Western Culture”; “Queer”; “Sex and Power”; and “Sustainability, Policy and Reciprocity.” Though critical of past failures and concerned about an emergent “psychedelic capitalism,” Psychedelic Justice is hopeful at its core. From the preface: “Simply put, psychedelics might be the lubricant we need to turn the gears of a justice revolution.” A resource for all who want the world of psychedelics to be one that is wise, just, and honorable.

Food of the Gods: The Search for the Original Tree of Knowledge: A Radical History of Plants, Drugs, and Human Evolution 

by Terence McKenna

In his all-too-short and adventurous life, the famed ethnobotanist created some mind-blowing recordings (the McKenna lectures at Esalen can be found here, here, and here) and a handful of books. In Food of the Gods, he urges readers to use psychedelics — a better path to spirituality, he says, than our current religions — and proselytizes his Stoned Ape hypothesis: mushrooms as the “missing link” in the story of human evolution. The minds of our ancient ancestors expanded because of hallucinogens; psilocybin in the hominid diet pulled us out of the darkness into consciousness, language, and art. Called the "Timothy Leary of the '90s" by many (including Leary), McKenna contends that we now crave coffee, tobacco, booze, and sugar — all the destructive addictions our “dominator” consumer culture pushes — because we’re being denied the ambrosia which once uplifted minds and spirits. He argues psychedelic use isn’t merely glorious and beneficial but a matter of basic survival; separation from the “tree of knowledge” will lead to society's destruction. An extraordinary, entertaining, one-of-a-kind genius. If only he could have lived to witness today’s psychedelics reawakening to guide, inspire, and be amazed by all that’s happening now. 

A Really Good Day: How Microdosing Made a Mega Difference in My Mood, My Marriage, and My Life 

by Ayelet Waldman 

When her prescribed medications stopped effectively managing her mood disorder, Ayelet Waldman spiraled into suicidal ideation, even going so far as to "evaluate the contents of my medicine cabinet to see what would kill me the most effectively." Luckily, the author of Bad Mother and Love and Treasure spotted an unread title on her bookshelf: James Fadiman's The Psychedelic Explorer's Guide. That seminal work, along with a phone call with Fadiman himself, led Waldman to self-administering very low, sub-hallucinogenic doses of LSD. After just a few drops, colors, beauty, and a capacity for joy returned. While documenting her 10-cycle LSD experience — two days on, one day off — Waldman mixes in thoughtful meditations on the history of psychedelics, her mental illness, her family, and her marriage to one of the world's most acclaimed living novelists, Michael Chabon. Also included are her insights as a former prosecutor and law professor on our legal system's failed and hypocritical war on drugs. Brave, bracing, and highly self-aware, the book was written within her treatment period: a single month. Such a burst of creativity and connectivity itself makes the author's point: There is potent power in this forbidden therapy.

The Psychedelic Explorer's Guide: Safe, Therapeutic, and Sacred Journeys

by James Fadiman

Finally, we recommend this 2011 book from the father of the modern microdosing movement and one of Esalen’s very first teachers. (After leading The Expanding Vision on campus in the fall of 1962, Fadiman has maintained a lifelong association with the institute.) With unparalleled expertise and extensive research, this practical guide for responsible use has undoubtedly saved many lives (including Waldman’s) and is the ultimate handbook for anyone considering this treatment journey. Readers are led through best practices at three different levels of psychedelic uses: spiritual (high), therapeutic (moderate), and problem-solving (low/microdose). Always informative, Fadiman dispels myths, offers advice, and reveals life-changing experiences, both his own and those of his friends, including Ram Dass, Timothy Leary, and Aldous Huxley.

“Remembering to be as self compassionate as I can and praying to the divine that we're all a part of.” 
–Aaron

“Prayer, reading, meditation, walking.”
–Karen
“Erratically — which is an ongoing stream of practice to find peace.”
–Charles
“Try on a daily basis to be kind to myself and to realize that making mistakes is a part of the human condition. Learning from our mistakes is a journey. But it starts with compassion and caring. First for oneself.”
–Steve

“Physically: aerobic exercise, volleyball, ice hockey, cycling, sailing. Emotionally: unfortunately I have to work to ‘not care’ about people or situations which may end painfully. Along the lines of ‘attachment is the source of suffering’, so best to avoid it or limit its scope. Sad though because it could also be the source of great joy. Is it worth the risk?“
–Rainer

“It's time for my heart to be nurtured on one level yet contained on another. To go easy on me and to allow my feelings to be validated, not judged harshly. On the other hand, to let the heart rule with equanimity and not lead the mind and body around like a master.”
–Suzanne

“I spend time thinking of everything I am grateful for, and I try to develop my ability to express compassion for myself and others without reservation. I take time to do the things I need to do to keep myself healthy and happy. This includes taking experiential workshops, fostering relationships, and participating within groups which have a similar interest to become a more compassionate and fulfilled being.“
–Peter

“Self-forgiveness for my own judgments. And oh yeah, coming to Esalen.”
–David B.

“Hmm, this is a tough one! I guess I take care of my heart through fostering relationships with people I feel connected to. Spending quality time with them (whether we're on the phone, through messages/letters, on Zoom, or in-person). Being there for them, listening to them, sharing what's going on with me, my struggles and my successes... like we do in the Esalen weekly Friends of Esalen Zoom sessions!”
–Lori

“I remind myself in many ways of the fact that " Love is all there is!" LOVE is the prize and this one precious life is the stage we get to learn our lessons. I get out into nature, hike, camp, river kayak, fly fish, garden, I create, I dance (not enough!), and I remain grateful for each day, each breath, each moment. Being in the moment, awake, and remembering the gift of life and my feeling of gratitude for all of creation.”
–Steven
“My physical heart by limiting stress and eating a heart-healthy diet. My emotional heart by staying in love with the world and by knowing that all disappointment and loss will pass.“
–David Z.


Today, September 29, is World Heart Day. Strike up a conversation with your own heart and as you feel comfortable, encourage others to do the same. As part of our own transformations and self-care, we sometimes ask for others to illuminate and enliven our hearts or speak our love language.

What if we could do this for ourselves too, even if just for today… or to start a heart practice, forever?


If you would like even more of this Jim Fadiman’s wise counsel, register for the online workshop he is leading with Adam Bramlage on January 14: Microdosing: The Safe, Surprising, and Emerging Psychedelic Frontier.

Register Now

About

Esalen Team

On Our Bookshelf: Psychedelics

About

Esalen Team

< Back to all articles

Darnell Lamont Walker leading Rituals Writing Workshop
Category:
Mind

Though the war on drugs largely banished these transformative tools for five decades, new studies are revealing the remarkable benefits of psychedelics. With legislation to decriminalize spreading across the country, these potentially life-changing substances are on the cusp of a great return — not by the counterculture but the mainstream! So if you’re curious to play with dream and reality (or just want to learn a bit more), we’ve created a reading list to expand the mind while honoring the field’s most distinguished pioneers: Huxley, Fadiman, McKenna, Grof — each with a long history at Esalen. 


The Doors of Perception and Heaven and Hell

by Aldous Huxley 

Part autobiography, part transcendental/philosophical essay, this is Huxley’s first-person account of his thoughts and experiences after being given 4/10 of a gram of mescaline in May 1953 by Humphry Osmond, the psychiatrist who coined the term “psychedelics.” With senses and thought processes cleansed, the Brave New World author burns bright with observations on spirituality, music, philosophy, beauty, art and the visual world — reveling in his drug-induced heightened appreciation for it all. Published in 1954, this might not be the best pick for learning about the contemporary science of psychedelics; there are more up-to-date texts for that. However, if you wish to “break on through” (yes, this book inspired the name of Jim Morrison’s band, The Doors) and ride alongside an early psychonaut as he is mid-flight, here is your ticket. 

LSD: Doorway to the Numinous: The Groundbreaking Psychedelic Research into Realms of the Human Unconscious

by Stanislav Grof 

Before this esteemed faculty member (who is also one of the founders and chief theoreticians of transpersonal psychology) developed Holotropic Breathwork here at Esalen with his late wife, Christina, he was a Czech medical student researching the therapeutic potential of LSD. Covering his first 17 years of research and based on his 2,500 clinical sessions using the drug as a therapeutic tool, this book (originally published as Realms of the Human Unconsciousness in 1975) maps the landscape of consciousness, touching on shamanism, near-death experiences, and other altered states. It’s the first in a series by Grof on this subject, including LSD Psychotherapy and The Cosmic Game, with each title concentrating on a different aspect of the drug, from practical treatment options to its philosophical, metaphysical, and spiritual dimensions. But start here for your introduction to the determined, focused voice of the trailblazer who helped introduce this transformative compound to the world.

Psychedelic Justice: Toward a Diverse and Equitable Psychedelic Culture

by Bia Caiuby Labate, Clancy Cavnar 

To ensure that this psychedelic renaissance births a new era that is both fair and open for all the generations to come, the co-founders of the Chacruna Institute — a non-profit organization that provides public education about plant medicine and promotes “a bridge between the ceremonial use of sacred plants and psychedelic science” — have assembled this anthology to call for social justice and change within the community. Essays are divided into five sections: “Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity”; “Perspectives on Cultural Appropriation, Colonialism, and Globalization of Plant Medicines”; “Psychedelics and Western Culture”; “Queer”; “Sex and Power”; and “Sustainability, Policy and Reciprocity.” Though critical of past failures and concerned about an emergent “psychedelic capitalism,” Psychedelic Justice is hopeful at its core. From the preface: “Simply put, psychedelics might be the lubricant we need to turn the gears of a justice revolution.” A resource for all who want the world of psychedelics to be one that is wise, just, and honorable.

Food of the Gods: The Search for the Original Tree of Knowledge: A Radical History of Plants, Drugs, and Human Evolution 

by Terence McKenna

In his all-too-short and adventurous life, the famed ethnobotanist created some mind-blowing recordings (the McKenna lectures at Esalen can be found here, here, and here) and a handful of books. In Food of the Gods, he urges readers to use psychedelics — a better path to spirituality, he says, than our current religions — and proselytizes his Stoned Ape hypothesis: mushrooms as the “missing link” in the story of human evolution. The minds of our ancient ancestors expanded because of hallucinogens; psilocybin in the hominid diet pulled us out of the darkness into consciousness, language, and art. Called the "Timothy Leary of the '90s" by many (including Leary), McKenna contends that we now crave coffee, tobacco, booze, and sugar — all the destructive addictions our “dominator” consumer culture pushes — because we’re being denied the ambrosia which once uplifted minds and spirits. He argues psychedelic use isn’t merely glorious and beneficial but a matter of basic survival; separation from the “tree of knowledge” will lead to society's destruction. An extraordinary, entertaining, one-of-a-kind genius. If only he could have lived to witness today’s psychedelics reawakening to guide, inspire, and be amazed by all that’s happening now. 

A Really Good Day: How Microdosing Made a Mega Difference in My Mood, My Marriage, and My Life 

by Ayelet Waldman 

When her prescribed medications stopped effectively managing her mood disorder, Ayelet Waldman spiraled into suicidal ideation, even going so far as to "evaluate the contents of my medicine cabinet to see what would kill me the most effectively." Luckily, the author of Bad Mother and Love and Treasure spotted an unread title on her bookshelf: James Fadiman's The Psychedelic Explorer's Guide. That seminal work, along with a phone call with Fadiman himself, led Waldman to self-administering very low, sub-hallucinogenic doses of LSD. After just a few drops, colors, beauty, and a capacity for joy returned. While documenting her 10-cycle LSD experience — two days on, one day off — Waldman mixes in thoughtful meditations on the history of psychedelics, her mental illness, her family, and her marriage to one of the world's most acclaimed living novelists, Michael Chabon. Also included are her insights as a former prosecutor and law professor on our legal system's failed and hypocritical war on drugs. Brave, bracing, and highly self-aware, the book was written within her treatment period: a single month. Such a burst of creativity and connectivity itself makes the author's point: There is potent power in this forbidden therapy.

The Psychedelic Explorer's Guide: Safe, Therapeutic, and Sacred Journeys

by James Fadiman

Finally, we recommend this 2011 book from the father of the modern microdosing movement and one of Esalen’s very first teachers. (After leading The Expanding Vision on campus in the fall of 1962, Fadiman has maintained a lifelong association with the institute.) With unparalleled expertise and extensive research, this practical guide for responsible use has undoubtedly saved many lives (including Waldman’s) and is the ultimate handbook for anyone considering this treatment journey. Readers are led through best practices at three different levels of psychedelic uses: spiritual (high), therapeutic (moderate), and problem-solving (low/microdose). Always informative, Fadiman dispels myths, offers advice, and reveals life-changing experiences, both his own and those of his friends, including Ram Dass, Timothy Leary, and Aldous Huxley.

“Remembering to be as self compassionate as I can and praying to the divine that we're all a part of.” 
–Aaron

“Prayer, reading, meditation, walking.”
–Karen
“Erratically — which is an ongoing stream of practice to find peace.”
–Charles
“Try on a daily basis to be kind to myself and to realize that making mistakes is a part of the human condition. Learning from our mistakes is a journey. But it starts with compassion and caring. First for oneself.”
–Steve

“Physically: aerobic exercise, volleyball, ice hockey, cycling, sailing. Emotionally: unfortunately I have to work to ‘not care’ about people or situations which may end painfully. Along the lines of ‘attachment is the source of suffering’, so best to avoid it or limit its scope. Sad though because it could also be the source of great joy. Is it worth the risk?“
–Rainer

“It's time for my heart to be nurtured on one level yet contained on another. To go easy on me and to allow my feelings to be validated, not judged harshly. On the other hand, to let the heart rule with equanimity and not lead the mind and body around like a master.”
–Suzanne

“I spend time thinking of everything I am grateful for, and I try to develop my ability to express compassion for myself and others without reservation. I take time to do the things I need to do to keep myself healthy and happy. This includes taking experiential workshops, fostering relationships, and participating within groups which have a similar interest to become a more compassionate and fulfilled being.“
–Peter

“Self-forgiveness for my own judgments. And oh yeah, coming to Esalen.”
–David B.

“Hmm, this is a tough one! I guess I take care of my heart through fostering relationships with people I feel connected to. Spending quality time with them (whether we're on the phone, through messages/letters, on Zoom, or in-person). Being there for them, listening to them, sharing what's going on with me, my struggles and my successes... like we do in the Esalen weekly Friends of Esalen Zoom sessions!”
–Lori

“I remind myself in many ways of the fact that " Love is all there is!" LOVE is the prize and this one precious life is the stage we get to learn our lessons. I get out into nature, hike, camp, river kayak, fly fish, garden, I create, I dance (not enough!), and I remain grateful for each day, each breath, each moment. Being in the moment, awake, and remembering the gift of life and my feeling of gratitude for all of creation.”
–Steven
“My physical heart by limiting stress and eating a heart-healthy diet. My emotional heart by staying in love with the world and by knowing that all disappointment and loss will pass.“
–David Z.


Today, September 29, is World Heart Day. Strike up a conversation with your own heart and as you feel comfortable, encourage others to do the same. As part of our own transformations and self-care, we sometimes ask for others to illuminate and enliven our hearts or speak our love language.

What if we could do this for ourselves too, even if just for today… or to start a heart practice, forever?


If you would like even more of this Jim Fadiman’s wise counsel, register for the online workshop he is leading with Adam Bramlage on January 14: Microdosing: The Safe, Surprising, and Emerging Psychedelic Frontier.

Register Now

About

Esalen Team