I have just got to say that compared to some of the other trainings that I have attended Justen is giving you all some great information to make excellent choices from.

The recommendation to use niacin (a form of Vitamin B3) and lion's mane mushroom in conjunction with psychedelic mushrooms (like psilocybin mushrooms) is based on a protocol popularized by Paul Stamets, a mycologist known for his work on medicinal mushrooms. This combination is often referred to as the "Stamets Stack." Here's a breakdown of the rationale behind each component: 1. Psychedelic Mushrooms (Psilocybin): Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain species of mushrooms. It's known for its potential to alter perception, mood, and various cognitive processes. Research has shown potential therapeutic effects in treating conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD, although it's important to note that psilocybin is a controlled substance in many countries and its use is often illegal. 2. Lion's Mane Mushroom: Lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a type of medicinal mushroom. It is thought to have neuroprotective and neuroregenerative properties, potentially supporting brain health and cognitive function. Some studies suggest it may help in the growth and repair of nerve cells, which could complement the effects of psilocybin. 3. Niacin (Vitamin B3): Niacin is included in the stack primarily for its ability to promote peripheral circulation. The idea is that it might help in distributing the neurogenic benefits of psilocybin and lion's mane to peripheral areas of the body and brain. Niacin can cause a "flush" in the skin, which is a sign of this increased circulation. The inclusion of niacin (Vitamin B3) in the combination with lion's mane and psychedelic mushrooms, as suggested in the "Stamets Stack," has a specific rationale. 1. Facilitating Neurotrophic Effects: One of the key ideas behind including niacin is to facilitate the distribution of the neurotrophic (nerve growth-promoting) effects of psilocybin and lion's mane. Psilocybin and lion's mane are thought to promote neurogenesis (the growth of new neurons) and neural plasticity (the ability of the brain to change and adapt). Niacin, by increasing blood flow, is theorized to help spread these effects more broadly within the brain and body. 2. The "Flush" Effect and Peripheral Circulation: Niacin is known for causing a "flush" in the skin, a sensation of warmth and redness, which is a result of vasodilation – the widening of blood vessels. This vasodilation increases blood flow, particularly in the peripheral areas of the body. The hypothesis is that this increased circulation could help in delivering the therapeutic compounds of psilocybin and lion's mane to more areas of the body, potentially enhancing their effects. 3. Targeting the Nervous System Beyond the Brain: By promoting blood flow to peripheral parts of the body, niacin might help in targeting the nervous system beyond the brain. This could be particularly relevant if the neurogenic effects of psilocybin and lion's mane are beneficial not just for the brain, but for the peripheral nervous system as well.

The Science of Meditation and Microdosing Psilocybin Meditation impacts the brain and body in ways that foster relaxation, awareness, and an expanded sense of self. Scientifically, meditation has been shown to decrease activity in the Default Mode Network (DMN), the brain network associated with mind-wandering, rumination, and the ego or self-referential thoughts. This quieting of the DMN parallels the effects seen with psilocybin, suggesting a synergy between meditation and microdosing in cultivating a state of mindful presence and reduced overthinking. Meditation also enhances the connectivity in the prefrontal cortex, improving emotional regulation, decision-making, and empathy. Similarly, microdosing psilocybin influences serotonin receptors, leading to changes in perception, mood, and thought patterns. This interaction can boost neuroplasticity, allowing the brain to form new connections and break free from old, unhelpful patterns of thinking and feeling. Spiritual Context and External Problems Both meditation and microdosing psilocybin open doorways to deeper spiritual understanding by revealing that many of our problems are external and often outside our direct control. This realization is pivotal, as it shifts our focus from attempting to control the external world to cultivating an inner sanctuary of peace and resilience. The practice teaches us that the power to shape our experiences lies within our perceptions, attitudes, and responses. This insight aligns with the teachings of Dr. David R. Hawkins and his Map of Consciousness, a tool that categorizes various emotional states from lower energies such as fear and anger to higher vibrations of love, peace, and enlightenment. By incorporating meditation and mindful microdosing into our daily lives, we can intentionally navigate our consciousness towards these higher states, experiencing life with greater joy, compassion, and understanding.​​ As you continue your exploration through our microdosing course, it's important to consider how the combined practices of meditation and microdosing psilocybin not only facilitate personal growth and healing but also play a crucial role in the way we perceive and interact with our internal systems. This integration is particularly significant in helping us separate our internal systems into distinct parts, allowing for a deeper understanding and quicker navigation through the different areas and levels of consciousness we experience.