← The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos

Can Spiritual Experiences and Psychedelics Make us Happy? (LIVE from DC)

May 15, 2023 41m 44s 6 insights
<p>More than a third of us admit to having had a spiritual experience. We might have been profoundly moved by a sunset or a painting; or felt that we've connected with our god or with the entire world around us. Such events can be transformative - bringing positive change to our lives and increasing our happiness - but some experiences aren't so great. </p> <p>In front of a live audience in Washington DC, David Yaden of Johns Hopkins University tells Dr Laurie Santos about his work examining what effect spiritual experiences have on us and how things like meditation and psychedelic drugs can bring about these powerful transformational episodes.  </p> <p>David Yaden is the author of: <em>The Varieties of Spiritual Experience: 21st Century Research and Perspectives.</em></p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>
Actionable Insights

1. Cultivate Spiritual Experience Triggers

Engage in practices like prayer, meditation, or spending time in solitude in nature, as these are known to trigger spiritual experiences. Additionally, be aware that significant life events such as near-death experiences, grief, or transitional periods can also be catalysts for such moments.

2. Integrate Spiritual Experience in Recovery

Recognize that spiritual experiences can be profoundly transformative, offering long-lasting positive impacts, such as sobriety, as exemplified by the founder of Alcoholics Anonymous. Integrating spiritual experience is central to 12-step programs for recovery.

3. Practice Psychedelic Harm Reduction

If considering psychedelic use, thoroughly educate yourself on what to expect from the experience. Always ensure you are in a physically and socially safe setting to minimize risks and potential harm.

4. Recall Past Spiritual Experiences

To access memories of spiritual experiences, sit comfortably, close your eyes, and recall a memory of what a spiritual experience might mean to you, focusing on bodily sensations, feelings, thoughts, and its impact on your life. This exercise helps connect with deeply meaningful moments, whether profound or subtle.

5. Embrace Transitional Life Periods

Recognize that difficult or transitional periods in life can commonly trigger profound spiritual or self-transcendent experiences. Being open to these moments during times of personal search or change may lead to unexpected insights.

6. Acknowledge Risks of Intense Experiences

Be aware that intense spiritual experiences are not always positive and can sometimes be negative, potentially relating to or exacerbating mental illness. These experiences are powerful and can manifest differently for individuals.