Issue Nine: Focus On Sex
“LSD is the most powerful aphrodisiac ever discovered by man.” – Timothy Leary
Sex is already a high-stakes enterprise, with potential for so much joy and pleasure, but also for heartache and painful vulnerability. Now let’s throw a little bit more fuel on that blazing fire by combining it with psychedelics or other mind-altering techniques, shall we? The featured articles here go into the neuroscience of sex, orgasm, and what happens in consciousness when we make love, both with chemical enhancements and without.
How are you enjoying these digests that we’re serving up? If you feel moved to, please leave us a comment! And if you think we can do better in certain areas, let us know.
And don’t forget to follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Mastodon and LinkedIn!
Table of Contents
Understanding Consciousness Goes Beyond Exploring Brain Chemistry | Scientific American
The Happiest Man in the World has psychotic delusions
New insights on brain development sequence through adolescence | ScienceDaily
Magic mushrooms: Thousands sign up for Oregon's psilocybin experiment | AP News
New Research Exploring Psychedelics as a Treatment for Anxiety in Cancer Patients | High Times
“Candy Flipping” Might Reduce Challenging Psychedelic Experiences
Imaginal Inspirations Podcast: Mona Sobhani, Just Breathe
Trans-idealism: matter as the transcendence of mind | Essentia Foundation
Your Favorite Song Might Just Be Your Pain's Worst Enemy - Neuroscience News
God's dark side: A review of Jung's 'Answer to Job' | Essentia Foundation
Focus on Sex:
Sex on the brain: Orgasms unlock altered consciousness | New Scientist
A Key to Orgasm: Some Brain Areas Have to Go Quiet - Scientific American
How To Have Great Sex on Shrooms | DoubleBlind Mag
How do orgasms affect the brain? Study investigates
Virginity vs. promiscuity: The philosophical problems with sex - Big Think
DNA Tests Have a Nasty Side Effect: Discovering Your Parents' Secrets
Neuroscience Hacks: The New Sexual Revolution | Psychology Today
A sex educator explains orgasms (plus an exercise for expanded pleasure) - Big Think
Intiem: Using AI to Innovate Sexual Wellness | Microdose
The First In-Depth Study on 'Blue Balls' Reveals a Lot about Sex - Scientific American
Psychedelics and Sex: A Powerhouse Combination - Third Wave
Events
Climate Consciousness Summit
1-10 December 2023. Online.
This event has already started but there are still a few days left.
“Join us as we grow a trauma-informed approach to healing our climate and initiate the inner and outer transformation needed for true climate action to emerge.”
The Solution to the Conflict: Embodied Conversation With Deep Empathy
Sunday, December 10 at 9:30am PT / 10:30am MT / 11:30am CT / 12:30pm ET
Online via Zoom.
“An Arab Woman and Jewish Man Hold Space for Compassionate Reflection: After two months of catastrophic conflict between Israel and Palestine, we are called to offer a space for compassionate witnessing and healing like no other.”
Bernardo Kastrup & Michael Levin in Conversation: With Reality in Mind
Fri 22nd Dec 2023, 10pm CET. Online
“We're excited to welcome back Michael Levin for a further conversation with Bernardo that pushes the boundaries of how we understand life, reality and consciousness.“
Consciousness, Altered Brain States and Wellness
Saturday, January 6, 2024 · 8 - 9:30am CET. Online
“This talk will cover current understanding of consciousness based on recent advances in neuroscience research, topics on altered brain states … and the implications of these altered brain states for “wellness” (e.g., improved mood, increased neural plasticity, and enhanced interactions between the brain and the rest of the body).”
Addressing The Failure of Pharma: Exploring a New Model for Psychedelic Healthcare with Dr Bennet Zelner & Dr Rosalind Watts
Thu 8th Feb 2024, 8pm – 10pm CET (UTC +01:00). Online.
“Join Business Professor Bennet A. Zelner and Psychedelic Therapist Dr Rosalind Watts as they delve deep into the intricate interplay between psychedelics, capitalism, and societal structures. We will look at the potentials and limitations of psychedelic therapy while seeking pragmatic solutions for its safer and more inclusive future. They will discuss the principles and strategies for an ethical, community-driven, and inclusive psychedelic industry.”
Links
Understanding Consciousness Goes Beyond Exploring Brain Chemistry | Scientific American
The science of consciousness exploration has faced challenges and lacks consensus despite decades of research. Consciousness defies direct observation, posing a unique difficulty for investigation. The debate on consciousness closely resembles historical ones, and new perspectives, such as the rejection of physicalist reductionism, have emerged. In this article, Philip Goff proposes a radical form of panpsychism, suggesting that consciousness is fundamental to reality, and emphasizing the need for collaboration between philosophers and scientists to unravel the mystery of consciousness.
The Happiest Man in the World has psychotic delusions
This piece in bigthink.com examines the case of Harry, a man with delusions who considers himself the happiest in the world. His situation presents a challenge to traditional psychiatric treatment, as his delusions, while concerning, bring him joy and a sense of connection. The story highlights the ethical dilemmas faced by mental health professionals in addressing such cases, emphasizing the importance of individual patient contexts and the potential positive aspects of delusions. This raises profound questions about the nature of happiness, reality, and mental health treatment.
New insights on brain development sequence through adolescence | ScienceDaily
A new study from Penn Medicine has found that brain development does not occur uniformly across the brain, but follows a newly identified developmental sequence. Brain regions that support cognitive, social, and emotional functions appear to remain malleable longer than other brain regions, rendering young people sensitive to socioeconomic environments through adolescence. The findings indicate a new approach to understanding the order in which individual brain regions show reductions in plasticity during development.
Magic mushrooms: Thousands sign up for Oregon's psilocybin experiment | AP News
Oregon has launched America's first licensed psilocybin service center, Epic Healing Eugene, which offers psilocybin tea to adults over 21 for roughly six hours. The center has a waitlist of more than 3,000 names, including people with depression, PTSD or end-of-life dread. No prescription or referral is needed, but proponents hope Oregon’s legalization will spark a revolution in mental health care. The Oregon Psilocybin Services Section, charged with regulating the state’s industry, has received “hundreds of thousands of inquiries from all over the world,” Angela Allbee, the agency’s manager, said in an interview.
New Research Exploring Psychedelics as a Treatment for Anxiety in Cancer Patients | High Times
Psychedelics are being studied as a treatment for anxiety and other psychological symptoms experienced by cancer patients. Researchers at the University of Washington are exploring the use of psilocybin, a psychoactive component of magic mushrooms, to treat anxiety in patients with metastatic cancers. Another study at the Center for Psychedelic Medicine at the New York University School of Medicine is using psilocybin-assisted therapy to treat existential distress in patients with advanced-stage cancer. The research suggests that psychedelic-assisted therapy could be a more sustainable and effective treatment for cancer patients than other commonly prescribed alternatives, such as antidepressants. However, further research is needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of the treatment.
Is AI more creative than the human brain? I doubt it – and I definitely want humans to stay in charge
Stefan Stern discusses the debate surrounding the creativity of artificial intelligence compared to human beings. He highlights a recent claim that AI is more creative than humans, citing a survey where AI-generated product ideas were found to be more popular than those of human students. Ironically the answers given in this survey may have themselves been generated by AI. He ultimately advocates for human control over AI, emphasizing the unique and irreplaceable nature of human creativity.
“Candy Flipping” Might Reduce Challenging Psychedelic Experiences
A new study suggests that pairing small doses of MDMA with psilocybin mushrooms or LSD can reduce feelings of discomfort and highlight more positive aspects of the experience. Researchers surveyed 698 people who had recently used psilocybin or LSD, and found that co-use of MDMA with psilocybin/LSD may buffer against some aspects of challenging experiences and enhance certain positive experiences. The study acknowledges that both psilocybin and LSD have therapeutic potential for treating psychiatric disorders and mental health concerns, but psychedelic experiences can be hard to control precisely. The findings may allow more people to benefit from psychedelic therapies.
Imaginal Inspirations Podcast: Mona Sobhani, Just Breathe
Mona Sobhani, PhD is a cognitive neuroscientist, author, and entrepreneur. She is the author of Proof of Spiritual Phenomena: A Neuroscientist’s Discovery of the Ineffable Mysteries of the Universe, which details her transformation from a diehard scientific materialist to an open-minded spiritual seeker.
Trans-idealism: matter as the transcendence of mind | Essentia Foundation
Natalia Vorontsova and Vyacheslav Moiseev discuss the concept of "trans-idealism," which combines Spinoza's multi-modal monism and Hegel's idealist "Absolute" into a post-modern amalgamation. They argue that consciousness is a predicate, an inherent attribute of the one who possesses it, and that consciousness can evolve through different stages of development. They also propose the concept of "trans-matter," which includes all transcendences into the realms of the immaterial, logos, laws, universals, consciousness, the inner world, and the Absolute. The article also discusses the borderline between the alive and the lifeless, and suggests that viruses are the simplest life-forms that can manifest both as living and non-living depending on the conditions.
Your Favorite Song Might Just Be Your Pain's Worst Enemy - Neuroscience News
Researchers have discovered that music, particularly individuals’ favorite tracks, can reduce pain perception. In the study, participants felt less pain and unpleasantness when listening to their favorite music compared to unfamiliar relaxing tunes or silence. The emotional themes of the music also played a pivotal role, with “moving or bittersweet” songs proving the most effective. These findings open up potential drug-free avenues for pain management.
God's dark side: A review of Jung's 'Answer to Job' | Essentia Foundation
This review of Jung's 'Answer to Job' by Hans Busstra discusses the idea that the incarnation of Christ was not to redeem humanity for its sins against God, but to redeem God for his sin against Job. Jung argued that Yahweh, though omniscient, had not consulted his own omniscience, remaining 'unconscious' of a dark side within himself—i.e. his fallen son Satan. According to Jung, if held up to his own standards, Yahweh had sinned against Job, and Job subtly confronted Yahweh with this fact. There is also a video of this review:
What Carl Jung's Most Important Book Tells Us
Focus On Sex and Consciousness
"Sexuality directly affects your physical, mental, and spiritual self. How conscious one is about these connections, impacts the level of fulfillment and satisfaction experienced." - Anodea Judith
Sex on the brain: Orgasms unlock altered consciousness | New Scientist
Orgasms have been shown to unlock altered states of consciousness. A novel exploration conducted within an fMRI scanner sought to trace the pathways of pleasure and pain during orgasm, unveiling a unique window into the brain's response to sexual stimulation.
A Key to Orgasm: Some Brain Areas Have to Go Quiet - Scientific American
Certain areas of the brain have been found to quieten during orgasm, hinting at a complex neural choreography orchestrating the dance of sexual desire and climax. This quietening is thought to be integral to the experience of pleasure.
How To Have Great Sex on Shrooms | DoubleBlind Mag
Suzannah Weiss discusses the experiences and potential effects of having sex on mushrooms. Her piece explores how mushrooms can enhance emotional intimacy, connection, and pleasure, as well as the potential risks and safety precautions to consider. It also provides recommendations for having a positive experience, including setting intentions, creating a comfortable and safe environment, and practicing affirmative consent.
How do orgasms affect the brain? Study investigates
A study delved into the impact of orgasms on the brain, describing a "sexual trance" triggered by orgasm. This trance is characterized by a powerful, pleasurable release of accumulated sexual tension, revealing a fascinating interplay between sexual activity and brain function.
Virginity vs. promiscuity: The philosophical problems with sex - Big Think
This article on Big Think discusses the historical and philosophical perspectives on sex, including the views of Thomas Aquinas and the philosopher David Benatar. It explores the changing attitudes towards sex, from being seen as a necessary evil for procreation’s sake, to being portrayed as a pleasure to be enjoyed. Different types of sex and the cultural and ethical complexities associated with sexual behavior are also discussed.
DNA Tests Have a Nasty Side Effect: Discovering Your Parents' Secrets
“In a profile about unexpected DNA results, the BBC reported that an increasing number of ancestry test customers are learning that the people who raised them might not be their biological parents after all.” The article includes the story of a woman who discovered that she was half Ashkenazi Jewish, despite believing that she was half-African-American. This discovery led her to learn more about her Jewish heritage and raised important questions about race and ethnicity. It’s probably worth considering the ethical and social implications of using DNA tests to determine one's ancestry.
Neuroscience Hacks: The New Sexual Revolution | Psychology Today
Will neuroscience hacks foster a sexual revolution? Emphasizing the importance of prioritizing well-being, pleasure, and self-care, these techniques are designed to address the toll that traditional sexual roles may take on mental health. A notable challenge identified is the lack of training among healthcare providers in sexual health, which poses a barrier to navigating the path to sexual well-being and pleasure.
"Both sex and psychedelics are means by which we can step outside of our usual selves, escape the ego, and take a vacation from the ordinary." - Christopher Ryan
A sex educator explains orgasms (plus an exercise for expanded pleasure) - Big Think
Sex educator Emily Nagoski emphasizes the diversity of pleasurable and arousing experiences that can lead to orgasms. She highlights that orgasms are often misrepresented in the media and that there is no one "correct" way to experience them. Nagoski also points out that orgasms are primarily orchestrated by the brain and can result from a wide range of stimuli.
Intiem: Using AI to Innovate Sexual Wellness | Microdose
Intiem is a company that has developed an AI platform and virtual sexual wellness therapist to enhance sexual wellness and provide a safe and inclusive space for individuals and couples to explore their sexuality. The virtual aspect of the platform is considered one of the primary benefits, particularly when it comes to issues of sexuality because of the stigma against discussing these topics in our society. The AI therapist can answer specific questions and concerns, drawing upon a catalog of expertise from all the best practices in the space. The platform is AI-driven, so it’s ultimately up to the user to define what kind of experience they want to have. The system is completely immersive, and the components are synchronized with the visual stimuli that you experience in the virtual space.
The First In-Depth Study on 'Blue Balls' Reveals a Lot about Sex - Scientific American
Psychology professor Caroline Pukall and her colleagues at Queen’s University in Ontario conducted the first in-depth study investigating epididymal hypertension, commonly known as “blue balls.” They teamed up with journalists at Science Vs to solicit survey responses from both men and women —2,621 in all. The study found that blue balls are a legitimate phenomenon that could range from feeling a bit uncomfortable to feeling frustrated that this arousal response hasn’t been completed. The study also found that more than 40 percent of the female survey respondents said that they’ve felt pressured to “engage sexually due to a partner’s fear of getting blue balls/vulva.”
Psychedelics and Sex: A Powerhouse Combination - Third Wave
Elena Schmidt from Third Wave discusses how psychedelics and sex interact to enhance sensory experiences and emotional connections, although their effects can be unpredictable and vary widely. Studies suggest psychedelics may improve sexual satisfaction by reducing stress and increasing emotional intimacy. However, they can also negatively impact sexual encounters, particularly at high doses or in uncomfortable environments. Specific psychedelics like MDMA, psilocybin, and 2-CB are noted for their varying influences on sexual arousal and intimacy. Dosage is a critical factor, with both high doses and microdosing having distinct effects. Preparation, including consent and setting intentions, is essential for safe and fulfilling experiences.
Secrets of Sexual Alchemy
Sexual energy, according to various esoteric and spiritual traditions, is a powerful force that can be harnessed for creative and spiritual growth. This energy, rooted in our libido, is considered the essence of creation and a key to higher states of consciousness. Practices like Tantric and Taoist sexual energy exercises, as well as concepts like Carl Jung's sexual alchemy, emphasize transforming sexual energy into creativity. Sexual abstinence is sometimes practiced to increase focus and energy, but overindulgence in sex is cautioned against in modern society. Harnessing sexual energy involves transmuting it into creative or spiritual pursuits, rather than repressing or excessively indulging in it. Experiments like a seven-day abstinence challenge are suggested to understand and utilize this energy effectively.
"The orgasm is the body's natural call to mindfulness, a biological mechanism for getting the mind's attention anchored in the body." - Barry Komisaruk
Nuggets From The Archive
The Best Psychedelic Festivals Around the World | DoubleBlind Mag
From psytrance to country fairs, find psychedelic gatherings wherever you are.
The meaning of life, beyond the false free will vs determinism dichotomy | Essentia Foundation
Hans Busstra from the Essentia Foundation discusses the association between free will and the meaning of life, as well as the debate between free will and determinism. It features an interview with Bernardo Kastrup, the executive director of the foundation, who argues that under objective idealism, the whole debate around free will is a meaningless red herring. He suggests that there is no distinction between nature's will and what nature is necessitated to do, and that the free will vs determinism debate misses the point.
Myopia, allergies, sex: some things improve the older you get, say experts | Ageing | The Guardian
Caroline Davies discusses the benefits of aging, countering the common perception of aging as a period of decline. It highlights various aspects that can improve with age, such as myopia, allergies, sexual fulfillment, brain function, problem-solving abilities, physical endurance, and capacity for joy. The article emphasizes that society's ageism can lead to a false narrative of aging as a time of decline, and it cites studies and experts to support the idea that many things can actually improve as people grow older.
Bigelow Essays
Elizabeth G. Krohn's essay, "The Eternal Life of Consciousness," explores the survival of human consciousness after death, emphasizing the limitations of traditional scientific methods in this area. She asserts that the best evidence for life after death is found in personal experiences, particularly near-death experiences (NDEs) and after-death communications (ADCs). Krohn critiques the scientific method for its lack of direct observation in studying consciousness after death and argues that eyewitness testimony from those who have experienced NDEs or ADCs offers the most credible evidence.
In her personal narrative, Krohn describes a profound near-death experience following a lightning strike in 1988. This experience led her to a transcendent realm she calls "the Garden," where she gains insights into the nature of life, death, and consciousness. She learns about the non-linear nature of time, the significance of one's earthly actions, and the concept of reincarnation. Ultimately, she is presented with a choice to stay in this afterlife realm or return to her physical life, choosing the latter due to the impending birth of a third child and the changes her experience would bring to her life.
 | A guest post by
|