Tag Archives: mental health

Microdosing

The Secret Diary of A Microdoser #8

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I ripped open my shirt and bared my chest. My body immersed fully in dance. No holds barred. Loose. Wild. Free. Without any care as to what I looked like to the rest of the crowd who stopped and stared at this bearded old freak. Somehow, I knew in my heart that my father was dying at that very moment. His masculine energy rode the sound waves of a psychedelic guitar riff and penetrated my body. This was his parting gift to me, filling my mind and lifting my soul, as he journeyed through the ether on his final adventure. 

Psychedelics have been used throughout history to honour, remember and indeed communicate directly with our ancestors. Here I found myself vaping DMT in the moment of my father’s passing. Interacting with his spirit, perhaps by chance, perhaps by destiny, as he travelled through a psychedelic maelstrom, gifting me the energy that he no longer needed. One last selfless act, so characteristic of the man, or maybe his worldly energy was simply superfluous to his needs as a new type of wind now filled his sails. 

It was the last night of Shambala music festival 2024 and I was watching the mighty Ozric Tentacles, a band that I hadn’t seen since the Manchester Megadog in 1998. But I never could have predicted, never could have imagined that this would have been my experience of my father’s death. That I would meet my father’s spirit in a realm that I happened to be visiting at the same moment in time, unlocked by the DMT key. 

As I walked away from the gig, I received the call that confirmed what I already knew. I went with the flow of friends but hung back from the crowd. Let it land. I processed the power of the experience that he had been through and I had witnessed and acknowledged the gratitude, love and peace that formed my memory of him. 

A short while later, we arrived at our destination, an art installation called The Dancing Fountain, where it took me a few minutes to fathom that this rhythmic flow of water was the personification of my father’s spirit after he had survived inter-dimensional travel. The realisation dawned on me that he was using this medium to announce his arrival in a state of pure freedom. 

With the DMT pen never far from my lips, I stood amazed, stunned with wonder. I witnessed his joy in the explosion of droplets, pulsing and springing from the Fountain as he span, jumped and danced one last time. 

But how was all this possible? The answer is quite logical. Our consciousness is the fruit of the universe in the same way as a mushroom is the fruiting body of a mycelium. Our modern western culture tends to view the universe as brutal and unthinking, a product of chaos and the random interaction of forces, elements and energy. As religious structures lose credence, undermined as much by their own institutional fallibility as by our increasing intelligence and captured knowledge base, we’ve fallen into a habit of viewing our species as separate from the universe, an accident of evolution. Freud has a lot to answer for in that respect. But it is not the case. Life is the flower. Education is the pollination. Conscious thought is the fruit. If we follow the same pattern we see in nature and delve deeper, we see that the neurological pathways of the brain form the fibre of that fruiting body. Compounds such as tryptamines (which include neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine and melatonin alongside related agents such as dimethyltryptamine, psilocin and bufotenin) are the fructose, the sugars, the energy of our consciousness. 

By increasing those levels for brief moments in time, I’ve learned many lessons from psychedelics over the years. But Dimethyltryptamine has been the greatest teacher of them all. Through using it in meditational practice, I’ve realised what is the thing behind all the different thoughts we have on a daily basis. The answer? A Thought. I, like you, am a Thought. And, if you follow the same logic, it is those Thoughts, themselves from a Thought, that danced together in the spirit realm on the night when my father passed from this world to the next. 

Harnessing the medicinal power of DMT has allowed me to remotely view “Ray”, discuss with other Thoughts his attributes, his faults, his reasoning and his motivations. Those drivers have been distilled over the years, purified by psychedelics. I have aimed ridiculously high in the past and fallen way short as a result. Painfully short. In younger years, I was never happy to have reached the moon when aiming for the stars. And yet when it came to my spiritual goal, I could feel myself making the same mistake all over again, the writing was on the wall. But, for the record, here it is: I aspire to be an angel. I don’t mean this in the Christian sense of the word. Nor the financial. My definition of an angel is an “Agent of Positive Change”. I thought, once again, my name was on the dressing room to the stage of disappointment. However, what continually surprises me is that, strangely, I achieve this most days, and perhaps there’s a chance that I’ve just achieved this with you. 

Thanks for reading. 

With Love,

Ray, Brighton, 2025

For back issues visit Instagram.com/SDOAM.TheRayman or substack.com/@sdoamtherayman 

Jo Rowkins

Seven ways to a stress-free, nourishing new year 

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When we talk about making changes in the new year, we often fall into the trap of feeling like we need to be a “new version” of ourselves. However, consider this: You are already whole and enough just as you are. As we turn the page into a new year, many of us may feel a little sluggish, a little heavier, a little tired after the Christmas festivities… and there’s no shame in that. It’s all part of the beautiful balance of life. So, let’s start the year with self-compassion and a commitment to nourishing ourselves in ways that feel good. Start Small, Think Big

1.Nourish Your Body with Colour 

After indulging, it’s natural to crave lighter and more nourishing foods, but this doesn’t have to mean deprivation or strict regimes. You can embrace balance instead. The key to feeling good after the holidays is nourishment – filling your plate with vibrant, nutrient-dense foods that your body will love.

Think colourful fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, and quality proteins. Make time to really slow down and appreciate the textures, colours and tastes. Allow your food to not only fuel your body but also delight your senses. There’s something so satisfying about eating a plate full of gorgeous, bright colours to lift your mood and fill you with energy. A celebration of life with each bite!

2.Take a Walk

A 30-minute walk outdoors can work wonders. It’s free, it’s easy, and it’s effective. Walking helps with mental clarity, boosts brain function, and gives you a natural dose of daylight to increase serotonin. Spending time in nature is soothing for your soul too, so walk in the forest or by the ocean, if you can. 

3.Sip Your Way to Health

We often forget to drink enough water, especially in the colder months, but staying hydrated is one of the simplest ways to feeling better fast. Start your day by drinking a glass of water as soon as you wake up. It helps kickstart your metabolism and sets the tone for a day of mindful hydration.

If plain water feels boring, infuse it with fresh herbs like mint, or slices of citrus and cucumber. And let’s not forget about herbal teas. They’re a wonderful way to hydrate and soothe yourself in the colder weather. Right now, I’m loving Yogi Tea for a lovely way to warm up, hydrate, and give my body a little Ayurvedic TLC.

4.Move in Ways That Make You Smile

The gym isn’t for everyone, and movement doesn’t have to feel like a chore. It’s best to embrace activities that make you feel good. Whether it’s dancing, hiking in nature, or yoga – find something that brings you joy and makes you feel alive. Forget about what’s trendy or what you should be doing. It’s about what makes you feel good, what gets your heart pumping and your body moving in a way that feels natural.

I’ve personally fallen in love with outdoor swimming in my forest health club – I started it during the pandemic and haven’t looked back.

5.Sleep: Your Secret to Wellness

When you sleep well, everything else falls into place – your energy, focus, mood, and even your cravings. If you’re not getting the restful sleep you need, it’s time to make some adjustments.

Create your own sleep sanctuary. Make your bedroom a peaceful, calming space that helps your body wind down. Stop using screens one to three hours before bed, dim the lights, and perhaps enjoy a cup of herbal tea or a calming bedtime routine. When you treat sleep as a priority, you’ll start to notice how much better you feel during the day. During the winter months to support optimal circadian rhythm, I recommend using a Lumie Lamp beside your bed to simulate the setting and rising of the sun.

6.Top Up Your Stress Kitbag

Stress is inevitable, but how you handle it makes all the difference. One of my priorities across the week is to top up my stress kitbag – a collection of activities that calm me down and help me relax and build stress-resilience. Whether it’s walking by the ocean, meditation, or snuggling up with a furry friend – these top up my tool bag when life feels overwhelming.

Everyone’s kitbag is different, and that’s what makes it powerful. Fill yours with whatever makes you feel calm and use it whenever you need to ground yourself.

7.Enjoy The Journey: Celebrate Every Step

Lastly, let’s make this year about progress, not perfection. Every step forward is worth celebrating. Did you choose a nourishing meal over a quick snack? Celebrate that! Did you take a walk outside for some fresh air? Celebrate that too! Small victories, when celebrated, pave the way for big transformations. This is your health journey – encourage yourself and be your own best cheerleader.

So, as we step into 2025, let’s choose a path of self-love and balance. No pressure, no rush – just a gentle journey towards a healthier, happier you. Here’s to making 2025 your best year yet – one small, joyful step at a time.

Happy New Year, friends.

Jo Rowkins is a Nutritional Therapist at Awakening Health. She uses nutrition and lifestyle medicine to help people align with a healthier way of living. She specialises in helping people who are feeling stressed, and women for hormonal balance.

www.awakeninghealth.co.uk

Microdosing, psilocybin, Psychedelics

The secret diary of a microdoser #3

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It all started with a Nordic Blond. She explained to me how the shamans in the north of her country, above the arctic circle, gave Fly Agaric mushrooms to the reindeer and then drank their urine. I felt my left eyebrow raise. The right one joined it shortly after. 

We’re an odd species, aren’t we? I pondered on how a human being might stumble across that one, what kind of story a shepherd would drum up as an excuse for arriving late for dinner. The perplexed expression on the face of his wife. Her husband looking more squiffy than usual, admitting it was all too intriguing, too tempting not to have a sip. A pattern began to form in my mind as I remembered Morocco and the revelation of how Argan oil is made. Fresh almond husks are “passed through” a goat’s digestive system which strips off the outer layers to reveal the gold inside, gold that is somewhat tarnished on exit, but brushes up well.

Human intrigue is the birth of invention. Mine led me to ask the question “What is the difference between a reindeer’s gastric tract and a human’s?” This triggered a familiar swell of hyperfocus which escalated through my torso and surged up my scalenes to become the tsunami of my mind. I had to know why the shamans chose this strategy to process the alkaloids of a psychedelic mushroom. Hundreds of hours of rabbit hole research followed. Minimal sleep. Many answers. But I can only give you the 7 inch version here.

The reason why fungi are regarded as an entirely separate kingdom by biologists is because the plant world is constructed with cellulose and the world of mushrooms is architected with chitin. When it comes to fungi, the difference between a reindeer’s digestive system and us humans is this: reindeer have a much higher level of chitinase, the enzyme specialises in breaking down the chitin cell wall. We have an abundance of cellulase in our bodies. Our level of chitinase however is minimal. The reindeers’ stomachs can also handle the toxic compounds in Fly Agaric that would make us vomit, but I digress… 

When you dose on mushrooms, your body gives it its best shot, but it will unfortunately only absorb around 35% of the psychedelic compounds they contain. The remaining percentage passes straight through. Sadly, your body is not very efficient at this game and, essentially, your money could go a lot further. 

If you have taken mushrooms, you will recognise the warmth of the cuddle, be stunned by the visuals, some of you may well see aliens. However, before all that kicks in, many of you will experience another more uncomfortable emotion, erring on anxiety, a stage which you’re told by your friends to “push through and you’ll be alright”. I have found, through my own obsessive experimentation, that that unnerving feeling is also connected to the lack of chitinase in your body. 

Now, you will find plenty on the web on how to make up for this shortfall, “Lemon Tek” tea being the most common. But you will not find what I’m about to tell you. In my research, I found that certain foods are particularly high in chitinase, for a completely different reason. They use chitinase as a defence mechanism for protecting their seeds against fungal pathogens and attacking insects (whose exoskeletons also happen to be made with the same chitin building blocks). Those foods include banana, avocado, chestnut and my two favourites: kiwifruit and papaya. Kiwifruit helps with the acidity. Papaya has wonderful anti-inflammatory properties, although avoid it if you are trying for a baby, it is an ancient contraceptive used in indigenous tribal medicine.

But I have different thoughts about the hot water element of Lemon Tekking. Us Brits do love serving up tea at boiling point, for some ungodly reason. However, something tells me that it distorts the psilocybin in the process. Because, when we cook anything, it physically changes, yes? Why should that be different for naturally-occurring psychedelics? I have found this cold enzymatic extraction method produces a cleaner high, that arrives quicker, and bypasses the anxiety, although it shortens the trip, lasting closer to 3 hours than 4.

Once blended, the mushroom-papaya-kiwi mix should be left to steep for no less than half an hour, to allow the chitinase to breach the cell walls which conceal the psychedelic alkaloids, and no longer than 45 minutes, otherwise your brew will lose potency. Best to keep the papaya seeds, they are packed with chitinase, and I’m a fan of their peppery flavour anyway. Season with a pinch of salt. And, importantly, remember to use three times less shrooms. We are talking about microdosing after all… 😉 

Might the arctic shamans ever realise they had inspired a cold enzymatic extraction process? I think they probably have other things on their minds. In the same way, the Argan oil producers of Morocco most likely spotted almonds poking out of their goats’ droppings and realised, with the entrepreneurial spirit so characteristic of their culture, that there’s money in shit. Either way, I love the human capacity for lateral thinking. Because, at the end of the day, you can’t polish a turd, but you can roll it in glitter…

Stay safe. 

Ray, Brighton, 2024. 

For back issues visit http://www.instagram.com/sdoam.therayman

Editor’s note: The Whistler does not condone Ray’s opinions. We chose to publish this as we know there are many microdosers in the city. But remember, what works for Ray may not work for anyone else. BH

Features

What do you think?

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I can’t remember how I came to meet Professor Lionel Hayward. It was probably in 1970 when I was living in Chichester. At that time he was working at the University of Surrey, while maintaining a private Clinic at his house in Chichester. He had come to the attention of the wider public some years earlier when he was a witness for the defence at the Oz magazine trial.

He employed me to translate some passages from a Russian book on Self-Hypnosis. This made him aware that I had a strong interest in Psychology. Shortly afterwards he invited me to join some seminars at his clinic. The first series was provided for a group of students from the Bishop Otter College of Education. I soon realised that Professor Hayward was trying to start a private campaign.

Why should this be of interest to my readers? Professor Hayward was a man ahead of his time. Only in the last four or five years have our politicians become seriously concerned about the mental health of schoolchildren. He wanted to make teachers pay more attention to the fact that at least 3% of the population have serious mental health problems. Therefore, a Primary School class of 30 pupils will include one or two children who will go on to suffer such severe problems as adults. He felt that teachers should be trained to recognise these emerging problems so that help could be made available as early as possible.

The response from the students at his seminars was very disappointing. Professor Hayward started from the assumption that they would have a number of false ideas about mental illness. Therefore, at each seminar he chose to describe, in detail, one or two case histories which would challenge these false ideas. He would then open the discussion with the question, “What do you think?” Perhaps they were over-awed, but many of them did not speak at all. Those who did revealed that they hardly ever thought about mental illness and, if they did, they saw few connections with the work of a teacher. Let me give you a simple example. Professor Hayward chose one case history to challenge the belief that people with low intelligence (what we would now call ‘learning difficulties’) do not commit suicide. As the discussion began it became obvious that none of the students held this belief, because they had never thought about it!

At last we are beginning to pay attention to the problem which Lionel Hayward sought to raise. How do we recognise mental illness and severe distress? How do we find out what thoughts are troubling our fellow human beings, and ourselves? I left some of those seminars feeling very depressed. The future teachers revealed that they had little interest in human problems. What is worse, I found that they were often in denial and refused to accept the diagnoses to which they were being guided, even when the consequences turned out to be fatal.

Princes William and Harry have done us all a great service by talking, at last, about their loss and the permanent effect of bereavement. Their example should prompt us all to learn more about the origins of mental suffering.

Let me end with a sad story. When I was working at the Sutton College in South London in the 1970s, one of my colleagues ran a club for young people with learning difficulties. The College provided them with classes in literacy and numeracy. One young lad lived in sheltered accommodation with two or three others, supported by Social Services. Suddenly he went missing. A day or two later his bicycle was found by the towpath of the Thames at Putney. Later that week his body was recovered from the river. Thanks to our literacy classes he was able to write a short suicide note. He explained that he missed his parents very badly – both had died a year or two earlier. He did not want to live without them. As a child he had spent many hours with them walking by the river at Putney. So he cycled there and probably just walked into the river.

As Carl Jung pointed out, we often fail to recognise what people around us are thinking and feeling.

Peter Batten

 

Events, Health Matters, The Arts

Hysterical

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Saturday May 14th & Sunday May 15th, 2016 @ 4pm

The Warren Main Stage, St Peter’s Church, York Place, Brighton BN1 4GU

Tickets: £11 (£9.50 concessions)

‘Hysterical’, a groundbreaking dark comedy at the Brighton Fringe, explores the boundaries of mental health and sanity in the 21st Century.

HYSTERICAL_PRODUCTIONSHOT medJune’s just landed her dream job at a high-octane advertising agency. But when her first task is to re-brand water, she gets the feeling she might be in over her head. Desperate to please, she puts aside her duties of caring for her brother to prepare a pitch that will blow her new boss away. As the pressures mount in her new workplace and the disconnection from her brother grows, June’s mental health is sent into a downward spiral, leaving her questioning her sanity. Continue reading Hysterical →