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Better Living Through Well Being
Enthusiasm, interest and pursuit of scientific and medical research on the psychiatric application of psychedelic compounds has exploded in recent years such that this current phase is declared a “renaissance period for psychedelic research.” Published clinical trials now exceed a thousand with the largest representation being those participating in psilocybin studies.
Psilocybin is a naturally recurring compound derived from fungi with mind-altering qualities similar to those of LSD and mescaline. Most study participants experience profound alterations in perception, emotions, and sense of self, often including experiences that are felt to be of great personal and spiritual significance. Because the drug raises blood pressure and heart rate and can cause incapacitating and sometimes overwhelming psychological effects, researchers caution that it should only be used in controlled settings and in conjunction with medical and psychological evaluation and careful preparation. The January 2025 issue of The American Journal of Psychiatry is titled “Special Issue on Psychedelics.” The authors provide an overview of the current state of research regarding psychedelic treatments for psychiatric disorders. This issue of the Journal addresses many of the ongoing challenges and looming questions in the field of psychiatric psychedelic research and treatment. These include issues relevant to basic pharmacology and effects on neural circuits, evidence of clinical efficacy, methodological challenges/limitations of existing research, and factors pertaining to public health and policy considerations. Though the field has grown tremendously in the past 30 years, there are still numerous obstacles to overcome before psychedelics might one day become mainstream psychiatric treatments. **************************************** Perception Box is a metaphor for our subjective experience of reality. It’s an invisible ever-present mental box each of us lives inside that colors and shapes everything we experience. This box tends to inhibit our ability to understand one another and ourselves, which can leave us feeling fearful, disconnected and isolated. By going inward and questioning the beliefs that hold us back, we learn to see them for what they are -- often moments of confusion we never unpacked. Thus the walls of our own Perception Box are expanded, helping us see beyond our beliefs to participate more fully in the beauty of life. Unlikely Collaborators has awarded a Spark grant to fund an innovative research collaboration between the Institute for Advanced Consciousness Studies (IACS), Andrew Holecek, and Sky Cave Retreats. This groundbreaking project aims to explore the intersection of consciousness, mental well-being, and the monumental potential of dark retreats, which involve spending time in complete darkness to facilitate profound shifts in perception and consciousness. This collaboration brings together cutting-edge consciousness research and timeless contemplative practices to be conducted at Sky Cave Retreats, and promises to break new ground in characterizing deep states of consciousness induced by prolonged dark exposure and how such non-pharmacological experiences can drive personal and societal transformation. The study will utilize EEG and peripheral measurements to provide the first comprehensive scientific characterization of the rapid psychospiritual shifts brought about by dark retreats. It provides a unique path to investigate non-pharmacological routes to transformative states at a time when psychedelic research dominates discussions of consciousness exploration. **************************************** These guidelines do not propose diagnostic or staging criteria for these diseases, which continue to evolve. Rather, they provide a framework for a high-quality process tailored to each individual patient that enables clinicians to establish a diagnostic formulation. Some details for the guidelines will likely require modification as new tools and biomarkers become sufficiently validated for appropriate clinical use in real-world practice. The workgroup leveraged best evidence and practices to empower persons with memory of thinking symptoms or concerns and their loved ones, clinicians, and health systems to engage in a person-centered process that will enhance knowledge, appreciation and autonomy for the person with a potential illness and facilitate doing what is right for them. **************************************** * Global reforestation organization collaborates with electrical industry leader to plant 10,000 trees across the United States. * Fully solar-driven, autonomous atmospheric water generator has been developed using advanced aerogels. * Seasonal self-discovery guide provides practical framework for creating a meaningful life in a world of shifting expectations. * Company unveils big topics of global optimism driven by entertainment, AI and healthcare. * “Social Connection in a Modern World” report reveals scale of the loneliness crisis in America’s loneliness epidemic. * National Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) takes major step in changing how we provide care for seniors. * New discovery guides future research into eye and balance disorders among newborns and young children. * Americans are projected to spend over $12 billion less on gasoline in 2025 compared to 2024. ***************************************
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Better Living Through Well BeingPsychedelic Drug Therapy May Address Mental Health Concerns in People with Cancer and Addiction One or two doses of psilocybin, a compound found in psychedelic mushrooms, may improve the mental health of cancer patients when accompanied by psychotherapy, a new report suggests. A second new study found that treatment with psilocybin resulted in lasting, positive personality changes in patients with alcohol use disorder. The first report's findings were published online Oct. 7 in the journal Nature Mental Health, and the second published online Jan. 1 in a special edition of The American Journal of Psychiatry focused on psilocybin research. In the first study, a team of experts at NYU Langone Health found that psilocybin accompanied by psychotherapy significantly reduced anxiety, depression, obsessive thoughts, anger toward others, and physical symptoms associated with psychological distress, with improvements lasting up to six months. Full Story Unlikely Collaborators Awards Spark Grant to Support Transformative Consciousness Studies Project Unlikely Collaborators has awarded a Spark grant to fund an innovative research collaboration between The Institute for Advanced Consciousness Studies (IACS), Andrew Holecek, and Sky Cave Retreats. This groundbreaking and cutting-edge project aims to explore the intersection of consciousness, mental well-being, and deep retreat experiences, reimagining the narratives surrounding inner transformation and human potential. The Spark grants, launched in 2024, support bold, collaborative projects that integrate the Perception Box lens to reimagine narratives and create meaningful change. Each grant prioritizes 501(c)(3) partnerships between organizations and individuals who have not worked together before, fostering innovation and unexpected synergy. Unlikely Collaborators is a mission-driven nonprofit committed to transforming narratives that limit individuals, communities, and societies. The organization promotes self-awareness and mutual understanding by helping individuals gain insight into and agency over their Perception Box -- a concept developed by Elizabeth R. Koch. Perception Box represents the internal beliefs, experiences, and biases that shape how individuals view the world and engage with others. Through grants, partnerships, and transformative initiatives, Unlikely Collaborators supports organizations that help individuals and communities untangle limiting stories and foster meaningful change. The research project funded by this Spark grant will focus on the monumental potential of dark retreats, an ancient contemplative practice gaining modern attention. Dark retreats involve spending time in complete darkness to facilitate profound shifts in perception and consciousness. NBA star Rudy Gobert described his experience as "meditation times a thousand." The practice places participants in a dark environment that intentionally disrupts routine habits and perceptions, creating a unique contrast medium that allows practitioners to see and feel things normally lost in the light and busyness of daily life. Full Story
More Feature Stories:TESSAN Teams Up with One Tree Planted to Launch Global Tree Planting Initiative Announcements:Redefining Success: How Small Intentional Steps Help Us Adapt and Thrive in Changing Times Each new year begins with hopeful resolutions--a chance to reset, reflect, and pursue a more purposeful life. Yet by Blue Monday--the third Monday of January and the so-called saddest day of the year--many feel the weight of unmet aspirations. Studies reveal nearly 80% of New Year's resolutions fail by early February, leaving individuals overwhelmed and disconnected. This failure isn't just about personal shortcomings. In a world of economic uncertainty, societal shifts, and relentless digital noise, traditional strategies like willpower alone are no longer enough. As pressures mount, more individuals are actively looking to step away from the demands of modern life and seek tools and support to create lives rooted in clarity, resilience, and intentional choices. Recognizing this need, Glimmery Moments introduces the Seasonal Self-Discovery Guide--a thoughtfully crafted tool blending behavioral science and mindfulness. Designed to anchor progress in small, intentional steps, the guide empowers individuals to build resilience, set achievable goals, and embrace a life aligned with their values. Full Story The State of Global Optimism Revealed in New Survey According to the latest research by LG Electronics (LG), 48 percent of consumers say they are more optimistic now than they were compared to six months ago. The survey, conducted across 16 markets, provides extensive data on global optimism, its drivers and the demographics that feel the most optimistic and happy. The global average optimism score is 7.49/10. France, the UK and Australia were revealed to be among the least optimistic countries, scoring 14.5 percent below the average. Conversely, Saudi Arabia (12 percent above), India (10.8 percent above) and the UAE (8.1 percent above) were the most optimistic. Consumers were most optimistic about their personal growth and development (69 percent) and family dynamics (66 percent), but least optimistic about their finances. Full Story New Report from Sunny Further Reveals America's Loneliness Epidemic--and How to Fix It Sunny, a nonprofit dedicated to fostering meaningful social connection, is breaking new ground with its latest report, Social Connection in the Modern World. Leveraging data from the 2024 U.S. Census Bureau's Household Pulse Survey, this analysis shines a light on the stark realities of loneliness and isolation in America today--offering valuable insights and practical actions for building connection. "With our custom analysis, we can see the scale of the loneliness crisis with incredible clarity," says Heather Liu Leary, PhD, co-author of the report. "This remarkable data set doesn't just describe the problem; it points us directly to where we might uncover effective solutions." Full Story  |
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