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Why do people feel more connect to nature after a psilocybin mushroom trip?
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26 februari 2025 15:12
Why do people feel more connect to nature after a psilocybin mushroom trip?
People often report feeling a deeper connection to nature after a psilocybin mushroom trip due to several factors. The best explantion might be that when being is a state of satisfaction, someone doesn't need to think about their own needs. When there is no self to think about, someone can use their focus on the outside world, like nature. Psychedelics can help achieving this by:
- Increased Serotonin Activity: Psilocybin, which is converted into psilocine in the body, mimics serotonin and stimulates serotonin receptors in the brain. This increased activity can enhance feelings of connectedness and unity with the natural world.
- Altered Perception: The experience of altered perception during a psilocybin trip can lead to a heightened awareness of the environment. Colors may appear more vibrant, and the interconnectedness of all living things may become more apparent, fostering a sense of unity with nature.
- Emotional Release: Psilocybin can intensify emotions, allowing individuals to experience feelings of love, empathy, and gratitude towards nature. This emotional depth can lead to a profound appreciation for the natural world.
- Reduction of Ego: A diminished sense of self can result in less distinction between the individual and their surroundings. This reduction in ego can facilitate a feeling of being part of a larger ecosystem, enhancing the sense of connection to nature.
- Spiritual Insights: Many individuals report spiritual or mystical experiences during their trips, which can include feelings of transcendence and a connection to something greater than themselves, often interpreted as nature or the universe.
Overall, the combination of these factors contributes to a heightened sense of connection to nature experienced by individuals after a psilocybin trip.
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24 januari 2026 19:09
It is one of the most consistent "side effects" of a psilocybin experience: people walk out of a session feeling like they’ve just been reintroduced to a long-lost family member—Mother Nature.
While it might feel like "hippie magic," there are actually fascinating neurological and psychological reasons why this happens.
1. Dissolution of the "Ego" Boundary
The most significant reason lies in the Default Mode Network (DMN). This is the brain network responsible for your sense of "self"—the part of you that keeps a clear line between "me" and "everything else."
- During the trip: Psilocybin temporarily dials down the DMN. When the boundaries of the "self" dissolve (often called ego-dissolution), the brain no longer perceives a separation between the observer and the environment.
- The Result: You don't just look at a tree; you feel a biological kinship with it. The distinction between "human" and "nature" evaporates into a sense of unified existence.
2. Heightened Sensory Perception
Psilocybin acts on serotonin receptors, which significantly enhances sensory input.
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Vibrancy: Nature is full of complex fractals, subtle movements, and deep colors that we usually filter out to focus on "productive" tasks.
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The Result: Under the influence, these details become hyper-salient. A leaf isn't just a leaf; it’s a breathing, vascular masterpiece. This creates a deep sense of awe, a powerful emotion that has been scientifically linked to increased prosocial behavior and environmental concern.
3. Biophilia and Evolutionary Recognition
There is a theory called the Biophilia Hypothesis, which suggests humans have an innate, genetic tendency to seek connections with nature.
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Psilocybin may act as a "reset" button that clears away the "digital noise" of modern life (concrete, screens, schedules).
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The Result: It returns the brain to a more primal state of awareness, making you realize that you aren't just in nature, you are nature.
4. Meaning-Making (The "Aha!" Moment)
Psychedelica promote neuroplasticity, allowing the brain to form new connections between thoughts.
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People often have "revelations" about the interconnectedness of life—how fungi sustain forests, how trees breathe for us, and how we are part of a closed biological loop.
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Once you "see" this web of life during a trip, it’s very hard to "un-see" it afterward.
The Lasting Impact
Research from institutions like Imperial College London shows that "Nature Relatedness" remains significantly higher even years after a single high-dose psilocybin experience. It’s not just a temporary high; it’s a fundamental shift in how you view your place in the world.
Fun fact: This feeling is so strong that researchers have noted psilocybin users often become more environmentally conscious and "green-leaning" in their daily habits after a session.