Dear Friends,

How can we find peace and purpose amid the turmoil and distraction of the modern world? Actor, author, and Zen Buddhist priest Peter Coyote believes the answer lies in the timeless wisdom of Buddhism – translated for our modern lives.

In my latest interview, Peter and I explore:

* The Buddhist concept of "dependent origination" and its relevance to our interconnected world

* How meditation can help us contain and investigate our emotions, leading to more dignified living

* The power of "radical optimism" in the face of life's uncertainties

* Applying Buddhist principles to navigate personal and societal challenges

"Buddha discovered that everything in the world is connected to everything else," Peter told me. "He called it dependent origination. You can understand it immediately when you understand that we've never been separate from oxygen, from sunlight, from water, from microbes in the soil."

This interconnectedness forms the foundation of Buddhist thought and practice. But how does it apply to our daily lives?

Peter's new book, Zen in the Vernacular, strips away the cultural trappings to reveal the core of Buddhist teachings in accessible, everyday language. He shared with me how these ancient principles can serve as a "creative problem-solving mechanism and moral guide" for the stresses of modern life.

One key concept is the practice of meditation, which Peter describes not as an escape, but as a tool for facing our inner world head-on:

"When you meditate, you develop a faith that's based on experience, that you can sit with whatever comes up, investigate it, let it come. You don't have to invite it for tea and let it go. Everything's always changing."

This ability to sit with our thoughts and emotions without being controlled by them can lead to profound changes in how we interact with the world.

Perhaps most inspiring is Peter's concept of "radical optimism" – a philosophy born from Buddhist principles:

"Radical optimism is based on one incontrovertible fact: we never know how things are going to turn out... Keeping my spirits up and my energy up and my shoulder to the wheel keeps me in play."

While cynicism prevails in much of the media and cultural landsacape, this reminder of the power of hope and action is truly refreshing.

This week, I invite you to reflect on how Buddhist principles might apply to your own life. How might the concept of interconnectedness change your perspective on a current challenge? Share your thoughts in the comments on YouTube.

Golden light,

Dr. Richard Louis Miller

Mind Body Health & Politics is a reader-supported publication, where I share the tools and insights I've gathered over my 64-year career. To receive my weekly digest, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Links:

* Zen in the Vernacular - Peter’s Book

How to Stop Torturing Yourself with Thoughts of the Past and Future

The most common way my patients make themselves unhappy is by dwelling on the past and worrying about the future. While it's possible to think about the past and future without causing emotional pain, many people fall into the trap of self-torture.

They dwell on painful memories, things they wish they had done differently, and moments they criticize themselves for or feel ashamed about. The past is gone, and nothing can be done to change it. Yet, they continue to think about it, causing themselves emotional discomfort.

Others play the "what if" game with the future:

* What if the market crashes?

* What if I get fired?

* What if my partner leaves me?

These hypothetical scenarios bring people down and make them feel terrible.

The best thing to do is practice being in the present moment.

How do you do it? Practice.

By staying present and avoiding dwelling on the past or worrying about the future, you can reduce emotional pain and lead a happier life.

Watch on comment on Instagram:

My Books:

* Freeing Sexuality: Psychologists, Consent Teachers, Polyamory Experts, and Sex Workers Speak Out

* Psychedelic Wisdom: The Astonishing Rewards of Mind-Altering Substances

* Psychedelic Medicine: The Healing Powers of LSD, MDMA, Psilocybin, and Ayahuasca

* Integral Psychedelic Therapy (co-edited with Jason A. Butler & Genesee Herzberg)

Dear Friends,

In a world rife with division, how can we turn conflict into collaboration?

Lawyer-turned-“resolutionary” Stewart Levine has spent over 35 years mastering the art of transforming breakdowns into breakthroughs. From feuding business partners to disgruntled employees to divorcing couples, he's been in the trenches of impossible situations - and emerged with relationships intact and millions of dollars saved.

Now, he's distilled his hard-won wisdom into practical tools anyone can use to resolve and prevent conflict. As the author of the international bestseller Getting to Resolution: Turning Conflict Into Collaboration and the founder of Resolution Works, Stewart is on a mission to make the world a more collaborative place.

In my latest interview, Stewart and I explore:

* The hidden costs of unresolved conflict and the power of "resolutionary thinking"

* Why the legal system often impedes real communication and problem-solving

* The key principles and skills for authentic, empathetic dialogue

* How to craft agreements that foster alignment, trust and shared vision

* Improving your most important personal and professional relationships

"Conflict lives inside of us as an emotional presence," Stewart told me. "You can't give that to somebody else to resolve. It's something you need to dig into to purge yourself of."

In a polarized age, Stewart's message couldn't be more timely.

"We as human beings are seeking connection," he said. "We want connection. We don't quite know how to do it. But in many ways, it's built into our biology."

The problem, he believes, is our adversarial "win-lose" paradigm. "If you get yours, then I'm not going to get mine. And I think that's a great fallacy." Instead, he advocates for an abundance mindset focused on giving people what they need.

So how do we get to that magical place called win-win? It starts with resolutionary thinking:

"Honoring feelings when we're in a disagreement with other people. Giving people the opportunity to tell their story from beginning to end... Recognizing that the other person was probably trying to do the best they possibly could, just like we were. So giving the opportunity for our compassion, empathy to arise."

While the tools are simple, the impact can be profound. "I like to look around and see that I don't have any ongoing conflicts in my life," Stewart reflected. "I pride myself on good relationships, positive relationships over time."

This week, I'm inviting my listeners to examine a conflict in your own life. What would it look like to approach it with resolutionary thinking? Share your reflections in the comments on YouTube.

Golden light,

Dr. Richard Louis Miller

Mind Body Health & Politics is a reader-supported publication, where I share the tools and insights I've gathered over my 64-year career. To receive my weekly digest, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Show Notes

Stewart’s Website

Books:

* Getting to Resolution: Turning Conflict Into Collaboration

* The Book of Agreement: 10 Essential Elements for Getting the Results You Want

* Collaboration 2.0

News & Notes: The Endocannabinoid System and Physical Exercise

New research sheds light on how sustained physical exercise activates the body's endocannabinoid system, triggering a phenomenon known as a "runner's high" that can reduce pain, induce mild sedation, increase euphoria, and have anxiolytic effects. Endocannabinoids, which are like the body's own cannabis, are now understood to be the primary driver behind these exercise-induced psychophysical effects, more so than endorphins as previously thought.

A review by Matei et al. summarizes evidence that the anxiolytic and euphoric aspects of the runner's high depend on activation of specific cannabinoid receptors in the brain and periphery, not opioid signaling from endorphins. While endorphins are also released during exercise, the authors argue they cannot sufficiently cross the blood-brain barrier to alter mood and pain perception the way endocannabinoids can.

As the famous surrealist Salvador Dali once quipped, "I don't need drugs. I am drugs" - a fitting sentiment for the natural high induced by the body's own cannabinoid-like molecules during physical activity.

Dealing with Depression: The Importance of Movement

Let’s talk about depression. Depression can be exhausting. Unlike some other illnesses, depression can tire you out, making it difficult to carry out daily tasks and deal with the condition itself. In severe cases, known as clinical depression, individuals may struggle to even get out of bed for weeks at a time.

The key to managing depression is finding ways to get yourself moving. Movement is crucial in combating the symptoms of depression. The more you move, the better. However, when you're exhausted, it can be challenging to find the motivation to take action.

To overcome this hurdle, consider:

* Asking a friend or family member to visit and encourage you

* Reaching out to a support group or call service

* Finding an organization that can help you get moving

Remember, your life depends on taking action against depression. If left unchecked, depression can make everything seem gray and hopeless, even on a sunny day.

If you're struggling with depression, take a moment to reflect on the options available to you. Consider how you can incorporate more movement into your daily life, no matter how small the steps may seem.

My Books:

* Freeing Sexuality: Psychologists, Consent Teachers, Polyamory Experts, and Sex Workers Speak Out

* Psychedelic Wisdom: The Astonishing Rewards of Mind-Altering Substances

* Psychedelic Medicine: The Healing Powers of LSD, MDMA, Psilocybin, and Ayahuasca

* Integral Psychedelic Therapy (co-edited with Jason A. Butler & Genesee Herzberg)

Explore the questions at the heart of the Psychedelic Renaissance

My daughter, Evacheska, Founder of Temple Sotto Luce, is speaking at the Plant Spirit Summit, a free, open-access conference taking place from June 23 - 29, 2024. She will be joining me and over 80 other experts and community leaders in a series of bold conversations and live panels as we answer these burning questions, and explore many more crucial issues at the heart of the Psychedelic Renaissance.

Evacheska will be talking about Integrating Spiritual Experiences from Plant Medicine Ceremonies into Everyday Life. 

And if you join the conference, you'll get access to hearing from Western and Indigenous leaders on some of the complexities, nuances, and challenges arising from the mainstreaming of ancestral plant medicines, as well as gain access to short films and documentaries exploring indigenous culture and plant medicines - at no charge. 

Join us for this collective conversation and co-create a fair and equitable Psychedelic Renaissance which honors ancestral wisdom

Click here to Register for The Plant Spirit Summit on June 23-29, 2024.

Dear Friends,

In the early 1980s, as a clinical psychologist, I had a remarkable experience as a patient of Dr. Robert Cantor, the founder of the Pacific Graduate School of Psychology. He legally administered MDMA to me over a period of a year and a half, and the benefits were profound. My heart opened, my empathy increased, and my defenses lowered.

At the time, therapists across the United States were reporting amazing results using MDMA with couples, claiming they achieved more progress in a few sessions than in years of traditional therapy.

However, in 1985, amid growing concerns about recreational use – as well as misinformation about its neurotoxicity – the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) emergency scheduled MDMA as a Schedule I substance, effectively banning its use for any purpose, including medical research.

Around that time, Dr. Rick Doblin, founder of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), went before the government to seek approval for MDMA's medicinal use. Despite promising early research, the FDA rejected his proposal. Now, 39 years later, MAPS and its spinoff Lykos Therapeutics are still fighting for approval, only to face a significant setback this week.

An FDA governmental advisory committee voted 10-1 in favor of advising against recommending that MDMA be approved as medicine by the FDA in its upcoming August meeting. This decision comes after decades of rigorous clinical trials that have demonstrated MDMA's potential as a catalyst for psychotherapy in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health conditions. There is still a remote chance that the FDA will vote against its own advisors.

The government's main reason for this denial is that current MDMA studies fail to meet the gold standard of medical testing: the double-blind study. In this design, neither the administrators nor the patients know if they are receiving the actual medicine or a placebo. The FDA argues that a high percentage of subjects quickly determine whether they are in the placebo or experimental group based on the powerful effects of MDMA, compromising the study design.

However, this reasoning is flawed.

While the double-blind issue is valid, it should not be grounds for disqualification, especially when the medicine is demonstrably effective in approximately 80% of cases. The core question should be whether the positive effects are due to the medicine itself or a placebo effect enhanced by patients' awareness that they have received the active drug. In my view, this distinction is less important than the fact that patients are experiencing real benefits. If both the medicine and placebo effects are contributing to positive outcomes, that should be celebrated, not penalized.

The government's position appears to be clouded by the emotional stigma surrounding MDMA as a "party drug," despite the fact that many substances have both therapeutic and recreational applications. This bias should not prevent MDMA from being used as a powerful catalyst in a professional therapeutic context, where it could potentially help hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of people.

Ultimately, the government's role should be to prioritize the wellbeing of its citizens and support interventions that can provide the greatest benefit to the most people. Allowing emotion and politics to override scientific evidence and real-world therapeutic outcomes is a disservice to public health.

The fight for MDMA therapy is not over, but the struggle has already spanned four decades. It is time for the government to adopt a more nuanced, compassionate approach and allow this promising treatment to become accessible to those who desperately need it.

Golden light,

Dr. Richard Louis Miller

Show Notes

* Patients with terminal illnesses often face debilitating anxiety, depression, and existential distress

* Psilocybin therapy has shown remarkable potential to alleviate end-of-life suffering in clinical trials

* "Right to Try" laws in over 40 states allow access to experimental drugs for the terminally ill, but the DEA is blocking access to psilocybin

* Dr. Sunil Aggarwal, a Seattle palliative care physician, is fighting a landmark legal case to win psilocybin access for his dying patients

* Some patients resort to underground psychedelics out of desperation; clinical psilocybin therapy would be far safer and more beneficial

* The case pits the DEA's scheduling of psilocybin against state laws and patient autonomy at the end of life

* Eight states and D.C. have filed amicus briefs supporting Dr. Aggarwal's case, arguing the DEA has overstepped

* A summer decision from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals could be a pivotal moment for psychedelic medicine

* The case highlights the need for a more compassionate, integrated approach to end-of-life care that addresses spiritual and existential dimensions

* Responsible, mindful use of psychedelics may help change both how we live and how we approach death

Subscribe for exclusive interviews with leading scientists, researchers, and health professionals on the frontiers of mind-body medicine and the politics of health. Get the latest insights in psychedelic science, integrative medicine, and beyond.

Links and Resources

Organizations:

* MAPS (Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies)

* Lykos Therapeutics (MAPS spinoff company

Concepts:

* Double-blind Study Design

* Placebo Effect

A Page from My Book

The following is an excerpt from Chapter 2 of my forthcoming book, Psychedelic Medicine at the End of Life, now available for pre-order on Amazon.

There are certain topics that are career killers in academia—taboo subjects that threaten the established order. For Professor Ernest Hilgard, a renowned psychologist at Stanford University in the mid-twentieth century, hypnosis was one such subject.

When I was in graduate school in Michigan, Hilgard visited and gave a lecture on hypnosis.

After the lecture, I asked him, “For most of your career, you were studying rats, and just in recent years, you started researching hypnosis. How did that come about?”

He replied, “It was simple. If I had started with hypnosis right away, I wouldn’t have had a career. I waited until I was a full professor, and after I was tenured I was able to pursue my real interests.”

This cautionary tale has stayed with me for over half a century. When I first took the Morning Glory seeds containing LSA in 1965, I understood its profound potential—not only for healing and extinguishing my fears around death and dying but also for personal growth and creativity.

However, I also understood that embracing this insight could end my career before it even began. Psychedelics were taboo and for good reason: they threatened to upend centuries-old assumptions about the mind, the self, and human consciousness. Collectively, we are bound by death. Death grips us with fear, and we grip back at it. It seems that on top of our fear of death, there is another fear of losing our fear. To some, being free of the fear of death sounds frightening.

So, like Hilgard, I waited.

Instead of pursuing my interest in psychedelics as a researcher, I channeled my energy into political activism. Specifically, I advocated for what I believe to be a constitutional right—the right to ingest anything I want in the privacy of my own home, so long as I do not harm another person.

As an activist, I supported organizations such as the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), founded by Rick Doblin; the Drug Policy Alliance (DPA), founded by Ethan Nadelman; and the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP), founded by Rob Kampia; and the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), founded by Keith Stroup. I served as a fundraiser for these organizations and had the privilege of sitting on the National Board of Directors for the MPP.

For over fifty years, I observed how the United States government stigmatized psychedelics through propaganda, disinformation, fear, and the threat of prosecution. I have witnessed lives being ruined by misguided laws. For over fifty years, I waited for the cultural winds to shift and for institutions to open their doors again to legitimate scientific exploration of these extraordinary substances. The present revival of psychedelic research has been a long time coming, and, at last, the Dark Ages of scientific suppression appear to be possibly ending. I say “possibly” because even marijuana possession is still a federal crime and I doubt I will live to see the legalization of LSD, which is arguably the most beneficial psychedelic substance.

This shift is happening in no small part due to the new approach being taken by psychedelic researchers, prioritizing medical and psychological research to alleviate various physical and mental health conditions.

This new era of psychedelic science is confirming what I, as well as many others, learned over fifty-five years ago: that these novel medicines have the potential to revolutionize our understanding, and treatment of the human mind and to facilitate creativity. The experiences I had in the 1960s now have the support of numerous clinical trials and brain scans. There are discoveries to be made and lives to transform.

The future of these substances is bright if we have the courage and wisdom to follow where they lead us. However, we have only just begun to understand the promises and potential perils of psychedelics.

My Other Books

* Freeing Sexuality: Psychologists, Consent Teachers, Polyamory Experts, and Sex Workers Speak Out

* Psychedelic Wisdom: The Astonishing Rewards of Mind-Altering Substances

* Psychedelic Medicine: The Healing Powers of LSD, MDMA, Psilocybin, and Ayahuasca

* Integral Psychedelic Therapy (co-edited with Jason A. Butler & Genesee Herzberg)

Event: Can Ancestral Medicines Heal Humanity? 

Is there a place for ancestral wisdom in the Psychedelic Renaissance?

Register for the open-access Plant Spirit Summit (June 23-29, 2024)  and join me and 80+ experts and community leaders in a series of bold conversations on the essential role that ancestral medicines play in the Psychedelic Renaissance. Topics include:

* Ancient Medicine for Modern Times: the Vital Role Ancestral Medicines Play in the Psychedelic Renaissance

* Ceremony as a Service: Exploring the Landscape of Facilitated Psychedelic Experiences

* Overcoming Ethnoracial Barriers to Participation in the Psychedelic Renaissance

* How to Uphold Ethics, Boundaries, and Consent in Psychedelic Therapy

In 7 immersive days, you can access interviews with experts and indigenous wisdom keepers, live panels discussing emerging trends in the psychedelic sector, and short films and documentaries exploring indigenous culture and plant medicines - at no charge. 

Click here to Register for The Plant Spirit Summit on June 23-29, 2024

Connect with me on Social Media

What if you were facing a terminal illness, wracked by anxiety and depression, and knew that a safe, promising treatment existed - but was denied to you?

This is the heart-wrenching reality for many of Dr. Sunil Aggarwal's patients. A palliative care physician in Seattle, Dr. Aggarwal is fighting a landmark legal case for the right to treat his dying patients with psilocybin-assisted therapy.

Psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, has shown remarkable potential in easing end-of-life distress.

But despite the "Right to Try" laws passed in over 40 states, the DEA is blocking access - even for those with just months to live.

"We're slowly trying to chip away at a mentality that says there's no way forward except research," Dr. Aggarwal told me. "Psychedelic substances - we already recognize they have great utility. Everybody knows the FDA has said twice that psilocybin is a breakthrough therapy."

In my latest interview, Dr. Aggarwal and I explore:

* The anguish of terminal illness and the failure of medicine to adequately address existential suffering

* The immense promise of psilocybin therapy to relieve anxiety, depression, and fear of death in the dying

* The David vs. Goliath legal battle for patients' "right to try" psilocybin when time is running out

* The evolution of psychedelics from counterculture to cutting-edge medicine

* The importance of mindful, responsible use of psychedelics in a supportive clinical setting

In a life-or-death struggle that epitomizes the phrase "health is political," Dr. Aggarwal is taking on the DEA to defend his patients' right to access a treatment that could bring them peace in their final days. Eight states and D.C. have filed briefs supporting his case, but the DEA remains intransigent.

"When you are told you have an incurable disease, that all we can do is extend your lifespan for a certain amount of time, the psycho-spiritual toll that places on somebody's mind is very high," Dr. Aggarwal told me.

Some of his patients – desperate for relief from crushing anxiety and depression – seek out psilocybin on the underground market.

"I can offer harm reduction strategies, but I don't think that's good enough," he said. "We should be caring for people a little differently when death is staring them in the face."

Dr. Aggarwal's own journey has taken him from the NIH to NYU to founding an integrative medicine clinic in Seattle. Trained as an MD and PhD in medical geography, he sees access to psilocybin in the context of public health, the environment, and human rights.

"It's heartbreaking that dying patients continue to suffer when they could be getting relief," says Kathryn Tucker, Dr. Aggarwal's attorney and director of advocacy at the National Psychedelics Association. "The DEA has interposed itself to nullify duly enacted state and federal law. It's way out of its lane."

As we wait for a decision from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals this summer, Dr. Aggarwal hopes his case can be a tipping point.

"As a society, we spend a lot of time trying to help people live well, but we also should be helping people to die well," he told me. "Psychedelics can remind us there might be a whole other vista beyond our limited vision."

This week, I'm inviting my listeners to share their views:

Should terminally ill patients have the "right to try" psychedelics if they may ease their suffering?

Takeaways

* Patients with terminal illnesses often face debilitating anxiety, depression, and existential distress

* Psilocybin therapy has shown remarkable potential to alleviate end-of-life suffering in clinical trials

* "Right to Try" laws in over 40 states allow access to experimental drugs for the terminally ill, but the DEA is blocking access to psilocybin

* Dr. Sunil Aggarwal, a Seattle palliative care physician, is fighting a landmark legal case to win psilocybin access for his dying patients

* Some patients resort to underground psychedelics out of desperation; clinical psilocybin therapy would be far safer and more beneficial

* The case pits the DEA's scheduling of psilocybin against state laws and patient autonomy at the end of life

* Eight states and D.C. have filed amicus briefs supporting Dr. Aggarwal's case, arguing the DEA has overstepped

* A summer decision from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals could be a pivotal moment for psychedelic medicine

* The case highlights the need for a more compassionate, integrated approach to end-of-life care that addresses spiritual and existential dimensions

* Responsible, mindful use of psychedelics may help change both how we live and how we approach death

Subscribe for exclusive interviews with leading scientists, researchers, and health professionals on the frontiers of mind-body medicine and the politics of health. Get the latest insights in psychedelic science, integrative medicine, and beyond.

Links and Resources

Dr. Sunil Aggarwal:

* AIMS Institute (Advanced Integrative Medical Science Institute)

* Twitter

* Instagram

Organizations & Concepts:

* Right to Try Laws

* Controlled Substances Act

* National Psychedelics Association

* Goldwater Institute

* NYU Psilocybin Cancer Anxiety Study

Research & Clinical Trials:

* Psilocybin-assisted Therapy for Anxiety in Patients with Life-threatening Cancer

* Psilocybin-assisted Group Therapy for Demoralization in Long-term AIDS Survivors

* Effects of Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy on Major Depressive Disorder

* Psilocybin for Depression and Anxiety in Patients with Life-Threatening Cancer

Media Coverage:

* Do Dying People Have a Right to Try Magic Mushrooms? - LA Times

* Seattle Doctor Sues DEA, Seeking OK for Psilocybin Use by the Dying - The Seattle Times

Miscellaneous:

* Be Here Now by Ram Dass

* Roland Griffiths

* Mazatec People

My Books

* Freeing Sexuality: Psychologists, Consent Teachers, Polyamory Experts, and Sex Workers Speak Out

* Psychedelic Wisdom: The Astonishing Rewards of Mind-Altering Substances

* Psychedelic Medicine: The Healing Powers of LSD, MDMA, Psilocybin, and Ayahuasca

* Integral Psychedelic Therapy (co-edited with Jason A. Butler & Genesee Herzberg)

Connect with me on Social Media

Dear Friends,

Have you ever felt like giving up when faced with a seemingly insurmountable challenge?

I know I have. But what I've learned through my own experiences is that persistence and consistent effort can work wonders.

It all started with a devastating motorcycle accident that left me with both legs crushed. As I lay on the highway, I closed my eyes and prepared for the worst. But then, a voice inside me said these words:

"You can still make a contribution."

That was the moment I decided to fight for my life.

The doctors told me I'd never walk again, but I refused to accept that. After a grueling surgery, in which I had to persuade the surgeon not to amputate my legs, I set an ambitious goal for myself: to complete a triathlon within two years. It started with a single step, then two, then three. I kept pushing myself, day after day, week after week. And you know what? I did it. I completed that triathlon, even though I had to use crutches.

But my journey wasn't just about physical recovery. You see, exercise isn't just good for your body; it's also incredibly powerful for your mind. I often cite a study from Duke University, first brought to my attention by the great Robert Whitaker (author of Anatomy of an Epidemic), which found that exercise can be even more effective than medication for treating major depression.

The key is to start small and be consistent.

Whether it's a brisk walk around the block or a few push-ups during your work breaks, every little bit counts.

As I like to say, "A little something over a long period of time is a lot of something."

So, my challenge to you is this: set a small goal for yourself and stick to it. Whether it's physical, mental, or emotional, find something that you can work towards each and every day. And remember, you're not alone in this journey. We're all in this together.

I'd love to hear from you:

What small goal will you set for yourself today?

Share your thoughts in the comments below or send me a message on social media. Let's inspire each other to keep pushing forward, one step at a time.

Golden light,

Dr. Richard L. Miller

Takeaways

* Exercise can be as effective as medication for treating major depression, according to a Duke University study.

* Persistence and consistent effort are key to overcoming even the most daunting challenges.

* Setting small, achievable goals and working towards them every day can lead to significant progress over time.

* Exercise is not only beneficial for physical health but also for mental and emotional well-being.

* Sharing our experiences and supporting one another can help us stay motivated and inspired on our journeys.

Mind Body Health & Politics brings you exclusive interviews with leading scientists, researchers, and health professionals, exploring the frontiers of mind-body medicine and the politics of health. Get the latest insights in psychedelic science, integrative medicine, and beyond

Links and Resources

* Anatomy of an Epidemic: Magic Bullets, Psychiatric Drugs, and the Astonishing Rise of Mental Illness in America, by Robert Whitaker

* Duke University Study: Exercise May Be Just As Effective As Medication For Treating Major Depression

Why is MDMA so effective at treating PTSD?

Does microdosing LSD affect depressed individuals differently than those with a more positive outlook?

Some of us have been waiting for answers to these kinds of questions about psychedelics for more than 50 years.

As a young academic in the 1960s, I had my own life-changing experiences with psychedelics, which set me on a new career path as a clinical psychologist. But like many of my generation, I watched with dismay as these powerful tools were demonized and criminalized in the decades that followed, driven underground by a combination of political backlash and cultural stigma.

Now, we find myself in the midst of a remarkable resurgence of interest in psychedelic medicine. From the halls of academia to the pages of mainstream media, there is a growing recognition that compounds like LSD, psilocybin, and MDMA may hold tremendous potential for treating a wide range of mental health conditions, from depression and addiction to PTSD and end-of-life anxiety.

Thanks to brave researchers like Dr. Harriet de Wit, we're finally getting more answers.

Dr. de Wit, a Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience at the University of Chicago, spent decades studying various drugs before focusing on the therapeutic potential of psychedelics.

However, when she first began exploring LSD microdosing, she was cautious about openly discussing her research. "I was very nervous about doing LSD research to begin with because of the stigma," she revealed.

To minimize attention, she referred to her first study as a "serotonin agonist" study, even though she still named it as LSD in the description.

The approval process for her study took nearly two years.

Her groundbreaking work has been published in prestigious journals like Neuropsychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry.

In my latest interview, Dr. de Wit shares fascinating insights on:

* MDMA's unique effects on our sensitivity to negative emotions in other people’s faces

* The dose-dependent effects of LSD microdosing on mood and cognition

* The importance of controlled research to maximize benefits and minimize risks

Dr. DeWit's research shows that these compounds have the ability to reshape neural pathways and facilitate deep emotional healing.

"MDMA is technically not a psychedelic, but it does have unique effects that make it useful in therapy."

But to fully realize this potential, we will need to do more than just demonstrate their efficacy in clinical trials. We will need to develop new models of care that integrate psychedelic therapies into the broader landscape of mental health services, while ensuring that they are delivered safely, ethically, and not just for the wealthy.

We may also need to challenge long-held assumptions about the nature of mental illness and the ability to consciously control the healing process.

"Microdosing LSD under controlled conditions allows for the study of its effects without the influence of expectations." – Dr. Harriet de Wit

For Dr. DeWit, this process of integration is not only necessary but inevitable. "I would like to go on forever," she told me with a smile. "It's fascinating to ask all these questions, and there seems to be an infinite number of them."

One of the most pressing needs is for continued funding and institutional support for rigorous, well-designed studies that can provide definitive answers to the many questions that remain.

This week, I’m inviting my listeners to share their most pressing unanswered questions about psychedelics. Please share them on YouTube, or send me a Direct Message on Instagram.

While you’re there, be sure to follow and subscribe so you don’t miss my answers.

Takeaways

* Harriet DeWit has a long and distinguished career in science, particularly in psychedelic science.

* Her research has focused on amphetamines, MDMA, and microdosing LSD.

* MDMA has unique effects, including increased sociability, empathy, and a reduction in the feeling of rejection.

* Microdosing LSD at low doses has shown potential therapeutic benefits.

* There are risks and limitations associated with these substances, including the potential for misuse and exclusion of individuals with cardiovascular issues from research studies.

* Individual responses to microdosing LSD vary, with the subsensate cutoff point ranging between 10 and 15 micrograms.

* Microdosing can lead to increased energy and arousal, but not necessarily distortions or emotional effects.

* Microdosing has potential as an antidepressant, but further research is needed.

* Measures used in microdosing research include self-report questionnaires and EEG.

* Caution and responsible use of psychedelics are necessary due to their powerful effects.

Mind Body Health & Politics brings you exclusive interviews with leading scientists, researchers, and health professionals, exploring the frontiers of mind-body medicine and the politics of health. Get the latest insights in psychedelic science, integrative medicine, and beyond.

Links and Resources

* Harriet de Wit - University of Chicago Profile

* Microdosing LSD: What the Research Says - UChicago Medicine

* Psychedelic Science Conference

* Greater subjective effects of a low dose of LSD in participants with depressed mood - Study

* Methamphetamine's Impact on Social Bonding vs. MDMA - PsyPost

* Microdosing Psychedelics: Current Evidence From Controlled Studies - ScienceDirect

My Books

* Freeing Sexuality: Psychologists, Consent Teachers, Polyamory Experts, and Sex Workers Speak Out

* Psychedelic Wisdom: The Astonishing Rewards of Mind-Altering Substances

* Psychedelic Medicine: The Healing Powers of LSD, MDMA, Psilocybin, and Ayahuasca

* Integral Psychedelic Therapy (co-edited with Jason A. Butler & Genesee Herzberg)

Connect with me on Social Media

In this special monologue episode, Dr. Richard L. Miller shares his secret to a happy life: taking control of your mind. Drawing from his 64 years of experience and personal struggles, Dr. Miller emphasizes the importance of persistent practice in managing thoughts and emotions. He recounts how "mind control" and "Dog Yoga" helped him overcome physical challenges following a motorcycle accident and the recent pandemic. With his trademark wisdom and humor, Dr. Miller invites listeners to join his growing Instagram community and submit their questions for future episodes. Discover why 1.1 million viewers have already tuned in to learn how to master their minds and improve their lives.

Obi Kaufmann, artist, writer, and conservationist, discusses California's ecology, water management, and biodiversity. Kaufmann challenges conventional environmentalism, questioning the language used to describe nature and the paradox of trading nature to save it. He emphasizes the importance of indigenous-led ecological thought and the resilience provided by biodiversity. Kaufmann shares insights from his book "The State of Water" and his upcoming release "The State of Fire: Why California Burns."

I sit down with the trailblazing Dr. John McDougall, a leading expert in plant-based nutrition and the author of the groundbreaking book, "The Starch Solution." Dr. McDougall shares his decades of experience as a physician and researcher, revealing the power of a whole-food, starch-based diet in preventing and reversing chronic diseases, promoting sustainable weight loss, and optimizing overall health. Discover how shifting away from animal products and processed foods and embracing starches like rice, potatoes, and corn can transform your life and the planet. Dr. McDougall also delves into the environmental impact of our dietary choices, the role of the food industry in shaping public perception, and practical tips for adopting a plant-based lifestyle. To learn more about Dr. McDougall's work and access a wealth of resources, visit his website at www.drmcdougall.com.

Cathy Reisenwitz is a writer and creator of the Sex and the State substack publication. She has been featured on TV and in various publications such as TechCrunch, The Week, VICE, and Daily Beast. In this podcast episode, Cathy discusses the concept of authoritarianism and its impact on society. She explores the traits of an authoritarian personality, including a focus on conformity, lack of diversity, and a preference for in-groups. Cathy also delves into the connection between violence and authoritarianism and how it relates to social and political ideologies. The episode highlights the differences between authoritarianism and liberalism, emphasizing the pro-social nature of the latter. Overall, the discussion sheds light on the complexities of authoritarianism and its implications for society.