Hi Reader,

Welcome to the psychonaut's newsletter with musings, ideas, and resources to keep you exploring and growing deeper on the psychedelic path.

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🍄 Finding connection

Modern life has given us endless ways to connect, yet many of us many of us are more disconnected than ever.

A sense of connection is key in our lives.

It’s not only about countering mental health challenges. It's a feeling of belonging, purpose, and joy that can significantly improve our overall well-being.

In this newsletter, I'll explore connection, how and where I've found it, and share practical ways to cultivate it in your own life.

The Power of Connection

Psychedelic research has highlighted the profound impact of connection on mental health. Studies have shown that psychedelics can help individuals feel more connected to themselves, others, and the world.

This sense of connection is often associated with increased feelings of well-being and reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety.

While psychedelics offer a unique approach to fostering connection, it's important to remember that there are many other ways to cultivate this essential quality in our lives. One powerful avenue is through community.

Building Community: The Social Spine

A social spine is a concept I've found helpful for building and maintaining strong social connections. It refers to a regular activity or event that involves socializing with a group of people. This could be anything from joining a sports team to attending a weekly book club.

By establishing a social spine, you create a consistent opportunity to interact with others who share your interests. Over time, these interactions can lead to deeper relationships, a sense of belonging, and a boost to your mental health.

My Experience

I've found that my social spines have been instrumental in enriching my life.

Over the last two years, I've been attending a local Toastmasters public speaking club which has provided me with opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals while developing my communication and speaking skills.

This week, at my last meeting with my local club before I head East, I was deeply honoured to receive a standing ovation from my fellow members for my contributions to the club. It was unexpected and almost overwhelming, to be honest, but in a good way.

It was a humbling experience that reminded me of the incredible and supportive community I've found within the club. Over the past two years, I've learned a lot about speaking through delivering speeches and entering contests, but it has truly been the people there who have made my experience so amazing and meaningful.

In addition to Toastmasters, I've also found connection through local open mic nights which I started attending whilst working through The Artist’s Way. As well as playing all sorts from Elvis to The Stooges to Blur to Blink 182 with other local musicians, I’ve been able to form connections with people who share my love of music. For me, finding people to talk to about noughties pop-punk or the Oh Sees live show has been awesome.

These experiences have not only been enjoyable but have also helped me feel more connected to the community and myself.

Finding Your Tribe

If you're looking to build stronger social connections, here’s some questions for you:

• Identify your interests: What activities or hobbies do you enjoy?
• Join a group: Look for local groups or clubs that align with your interests.
• Volunteer: Volunteering is a great way to meet new people and make a positive impact.
• Attend events: Check your local community calendar for events and festivals.
• Be open to new experiences: Step outside of your comfort zone and try new things.

By nurturing our social connections and finding belonging in communities, we can cultivate a sense of purpose, joy, and overall wellbeing.

I invite you to take a moment to reflect on your own social circles. Who are your people? How can you strengthen these relationships and create new ones?

Hit reply and share your thoughts or questions with me.

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🎵Psychedelic Supplements

Reality Sandwich have recently launched a 'Sound Lab', 'streaming consciousness music all day, every day.'

Bad Monkey confirms that Vince Vaughan is still one of my favourite comedy actors on the planet. The series soundtrack also nudged me to appreciate the legend Tom Petty...

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This song and the accompanying scene gave me the feels...

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❤️ Much mettá

John

John Robertson​
​Psychedelic Facilitator & Educator​
​Maps of the Mind​

My Current Offers:

• ​The Conscious Psychedelic Explorer course is my comprehensive course on how to safely and successfully prepare for, set up, navigate, and integrate psychedelic experiences for healing insight and growth. Get started today!
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• Is this the year for you to step into the role of becoming a psychedelic facilitator? Check out the newly updated course Facilitating Psychedelic Experiences.
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