Can Psychedelics Promote a Deeper Connection to Nature?

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Chemical Collective or any associated parties.

Introduction

It is not unusual for people who are in contact with psychedelics to also have a deeper connection to nature. I count myself in this group of people and I am sure that my connection to nature will continue to grow through my continued psychedelic experiences.

Even Albert Hofmann, the father of LSD, was a lover of nature and had the feeling of oneness with the natural world when taking it. He said:

Through my LSD experience and my new picture of reality, I became aware of the wonder of creation, the magnificence of nature and of the animal and plant kingdom. I became very sensitive to what will happen to all this and all of us.

I often wonder if everyone who uses psychedelic substances feels such a connection to mother earth, even if many people just use these substances to have a good time.

In this article I will discuss the link between psychedelics and our closeness to nature, how we humans have lost our connection to the natural world over time and if it’s possible to develop this kind of connection again. 

Furthermore I will go deeper and discuss what happens with the mindset and mental health of those experiencing oneness with nature.

Early Humans and Connection to Nature

In earlier times, people had a necessarily deeper connection to nature as it was literally their home. They had to know which plants they could eat and which ones would make them ill. They had a deeper, spiritual connection to it, a feeling of oneness and security. Nature for them was good energy. They used their power to heal and reconnect with the universe and themselves. 

Indigenous nations used certain plants for ceremonies to have spiritual experiences. The Aztecs and Maya saw and used psilocybin mushrooms as the “flesh of the gods” and mescaline-containing peyote-cactus was used for religious ceremonies across multiple cultures.

The usage of psychedelics served to allow people to have deeper insights into the universe, nature and the self. For them, everything was connected.

Alienation From Nature

Due to evolution and especially industrialization, we have mostly lost the meaning and the importance of mother earth, which the universe has given us. Different things are more important nowadays – like having a job, earning money, building cities, homes, families etc. 

The lack of time forces us to spend less time in nature and so it is more difficult for people to really feel a deep connection. 

This is not the case for everyone, but the majority of people on earth can surely relate to this. It may be possible that a lot of people like to spend time outdoors, but don’t really know what it means to be a part of this beautiful kingdom. 

We can see it everywhere in the world: people destroy nature for their homes, to grow food, to make money. Trash is laying on the ground, even in the middle of nowhere.

Many people no longer have respect for the environment.

Humanity as a whole, while me might think about the consequences, we still fail to act upon them, because other things are more important. Isn’t nature and the preservation of it one of the most important things we should focus on? Without nature we are literally unable to live. But our appreciation for it is largely lacking.

Children are far more likely to watch TV or play video games instead of going outside.

This can be a huge problem, because this behavior will be passed on from generation to generation. 

Luckily, despite this collective disconnection there are still people who appreciate nature and recognise its importance. I count myself in this group.

Psychedelics and Perception of Nature

Psychedelics change our perception of ourselves and the wider world.

Our awareness of the whole is expanded.

Colors are more intense. Structures are more detailed. Smell, taste and sound are heightened. All senses are intensified.

So when in nature, you perceive the influences in a different, more intense way. You not only see the whole of the forest, the sea, the ocean etc. But you perceive the very small things. It’s like you have an eagle eye.

You get lost in the colors or structures of nature. You get a glimpse of the small things that happen on the ground, on trees or in the water.
The view of the sky, the clouds, the stars and the moon.

Everything seems almost overwhelmingly beautiful and meaningful.

This can lead to a deep appreciation and sensitivity to nature as one becomes very directly aware of its complexity.

It is not only our senses which are influenced, but also our inner world and thoughts.

A dreamlike experience, with a mental clarity we struggle to experience on a day-to-day basis.

The brain is activated as a whole. Areas which are usually unconnected link together, which can lead to sudden revelations and lead people to look at things and the whole world differently. Selfish patterns are broken and sometimes completely disappear and this powerful sense of oneness arises. Unity with nature and everything around us. Magic mushrooms for example, are well-known to promote a sense of merging with nature and often the complete dissolution of the ego and sense of self.

Long Term Effects

It is not unusual for the mind-expanding effects of psychedelics to have a long-term influences.

No matter if the experience was good or bad – there is always a lesson that comes with it. 

This is why psychedelics are also beginning to be used for the treatment of some mental illnesses, as patterns of behaviour and established attitudes to life are more prone to change.

Psychedelic experiences promote the lived experience that everything in this universe is connected. This individual, spiritual insight can lead to a greater perception of the connection between humans and nature. This often continues after the experience itself has concluded.

The spiritual aspect of these experiences deepen the sense of oneness with all that is. The personal development that comes with consciousness expansion plays a role in the day-to-day awareness of the whole. 

All of these effects can ensure that our bond with nature is strengthened. Even people who have become fully alienated from nature can overcome this alienation and develop a deep appreciation and love for our environment.

Benefits of a Deeper Connection to Nature

A deep connection to nature triggers a lot more than a conscious link with the environment.  Spending time outside, whether this be out of oneself, or actively out in the natural world can reduce stress and increase general wellbeing. There are an increasing number of studies showing that contact with nature increases self-esteem and reduces anxiety and depression.

Nature is an inspiring environment, which encourages creativity and creative thinking. The ability to concentrate is increased and mental fatigue is reduced. For the environment, an active mental closeness to nature is the most important characteristic. 

A method by which you can develop a stronger awareness of wider environmental problems and sustainable practices.

When you feel a strong connection, you are more motivated to take action.

Conclusion

This article illustrates the link between psychedelic experiences and the connection to nature. It is possible that these experiences can recreate a lost or non-existent connection. Even people who already have an appreciation for the natural world can develop an even deeper sense of oneness with nature and all that is. 

If people are open-minded to such experiences, it stands to reason that they are also open to experiencing things like deep and meaningful spiritual connections which often come with the feeling of oneness.

It is a fact that people see the world through different eyes during and after tripping.

However, it should be emphasized that psychedelic trips are highly subjective and dependent on the individual. So, while these experiences and effects I have discussed are common, and well documented throughout history, to the modern day – not everyone will necessarily come out of a trip with a greater connection to nature.

Vanessa Stern | Community Blogger at Chemical Collective |

Vanessa is one of our community bloggers here at Chemical Collective. If you’re interested in joining our blogging team and getting paid to write about subjects you’re passionate about, please reach out to David via email at blog@chemical-collective.com