Abstract

Experiencing alienation as loneliness and a lack of the ability to self-realize is a systemic effect of our contemporary violent and uncaring societal dynamic. Latent or manifest depression, anxiety and stress syndromes may be seen as its inevitable outcomes.

The rediscovery of psychedelics is often defended as a possible way of stepping out of this frame of mind, triggering experiences of connectedness to nature, to the cosmos, and to other people as well as to oneself.

In this talk I problematize the role of the (semi-)legitimized settings: clinic, religion, and partying. In each context, extraordinary experiences are channelled to induce useful states of mind. Respectively, participants should achieve normal mental functioning, increased commitment to a community and faith, or, lastly, feel ecstatic just while the party lasts.

Despite the widely reported findings on psychedelic-induced nature- and inter-connectedness, the critical question remains: Are there settings that are particularly conducive to feelings of connectedness occasioned by psychedelics?

It will be proposed that psychedelic experiences in nature outdoors and with friends might be the best setting for overcoming alienation.