Interesting parallel noted between Camino after-effects and...

[simply B]

I just finished a book loaned to me by a neighbor who wanted a critical review from a "scientific type".

Entitled "How to Change Your Mind" by Michael Pollan, it is a lengthy (but well-written) journey into the evolving science of hallucinogens such as psilocybin and LSD.

Though not interested in partaking of these myself, the topic was treated in a very professional manner.

What struck me rather hard was how many patients "after treatment" were changed by the experience much in the manner many of us report during but more after Camino-ing. Some loss of ego, more relaxed, more open, more able to be "in the moment", aware of more love and good in the Universe than before our experience.

What is NOT similar is that most of us have experienced "post-Camino blues". Such was not reported at the end of these other, I have to say it..."trips".

There is good scientific evidence that these chemicals work by suppressing an activity system of the brain called the "Default Mode Network" (DMN). For lack of a better description, it tends to inhibit things that the ego does not want one to recognize.

The author notes that many experienced meditators can obtain similar effects as well as marked reduction in the DMN's influence. And what is the Camino for some of us but a "walking meditation"? (Whether that was our intent or not.)

Anyway, I just thought it interesting.

Buen Camino! (as I head back to pickling)

B

 

[DavidR]

I just finished a book loaned to me by a neighbor who wanted a critical review from a "scientific type".

Entitled "How to Change Your Mind" by Michael Pollan, it is a lengthy (but well-written) journey into the evolving science of hallucinogens such as psilocybin and LSD.

Though not interested in partaking of these myself, the topic was treated in a very professional manner.

What struck me rather hard was how many patients "after treatment" were changed by the experience much in the manner many of us report during but more after Camino-ing. Some loss of ego, more relaxed, more open, more able to be "in the moment", aware of more love and good in the Universe than before our experience.

What is NOT similar is that most of us have experienced "post-Camino blues". Such was not reported at the end of these other, I have to say it..."trips".

There is good scientific evidence that these chemicals work by suppressing an activity system of the brain called the "Default Mode Network" (DMN). For lack of a better description, it tends to inhibit things that the ego does not want one to recognize.

The author notes that many experienced meditators can obtain similar effects as well as marked reduction in the DMN's influence. And what is the Camino for some of us but a "walking meditation"? (Whether that was our intent or not.)

Anyway, I just thought it interesting.

Buen Camino! (as I head back to pickling)

B

This is interesting... I've just recently begun to experiment with shrooms. I actually don't do drugs of any kind, and barely drink alcohol - but wanted to give it a go as I'm into the spiritual aspects of life.

Has been interesting so far after two sessions, has helped relax parts of my brain/anxiety and just allowed me to be deeply present.

However I've walked the Camino before and experienced the same - so will be good to compare the experiences.

Thought it would be even more interesting to mix camino with shrooms, but I don't think they are technically legal there so maybe not the best plan

 

[xin loi]

It is also on TV!

I have walked a couple Caminos where I met professional Physiatrists who were walking just to determine why patients had felt changed after walking. They said they thought it was just another hike and had no idea why patients felt the walk made a difference. I suggested that they walk it from SJPDP to Finisterre, instead of making a decision about the Camino after only walking a small portion of the Camino Frances

 

[Tincatinker]

Might have been better to encourage them to walk as pilgrims rather than observers.

Similarly, “I don’t do drugs / I’m eating psychedelic mushrooms” is an interesting interpretation of reality.

 

[JabbaPapa]

Artificial excitation of biochemical markers produced by satisfactions or happiness is hardly the same thing as the benefit from completion of the Way of Saint James.

 

[wayfarer]

This subject is best discussed in another forum, its connection to the Camino is a stretch at best.