I know that look very well. It's directed inward, not outward. The whole world freezes as you watch your own movie. It could be a drama, a detective story, or even a thriller. Where you're both the popcorn-munching spectator and the main character. On the screen, a stream of feelings, memories, and thoughts flows. Or it's a labyrinth, from which you must find a way out at any cost.
The expedition to the edge of Oikoumene can drain all your strength. Especially if you get lost, go in circles, or keep repeating the same old words. But if the hunt goes well, you return home with a bountiful game. Those insights you've gathered can now be slowly prepared and used over weeks, months, or even years. For instance, in 2017, I ventured to Peru, where I went through 11 ayahuasca ceremonies. The experience turned out to be so rich and multi-faceted that I'm still unpacking that gift to this day.
Reflection is a journey everyone must undertake on their own. Yet, the benefits are significantly greater when someone else is by your side. For instance, in a recent episode, Professor Andrew Huberman discussed research on treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) using MDMA. It was proven that MDMA alone doesn't cure PTSD. However, when combined with talk therapy, it led to 67% of people no longer meeting the criteria for PTSD after treatment. It's no wonder that in 2017, the FDA granted MDMA-assisted psychotherapy the status of a "breakthrough therapy" for PTSD.
So, what does another person bring to your reflection, whether it's a doctor, shaman, or psychoanalyst? Among other things, their primary function is to create a safe environment for your boldest experiments. This way, you achieve a favorable optionality when encountering novelty. In other words, your risks decrease, and the gifts you receive are more than you can carry.
Sincerely yours,
-Alexander
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