In episode 269 of The Super Human Life, host Frank Rich interviews CEO & co-founder of Beckley Retreats, Neil Markey. Neil discusses the importance of disconnecting from an overactive mind and being present in the moment. He shares his personal journey of learning to lose his mind and the impact it had on his life. Neil explains the connection between the mind and the nervous system, highlighting the effects of chronic stress and trauma. He emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to healing, including meditation, psychedelic therapy, and lifestyle changes. Neil provides practical tips for starting a meditation practice and emphasizes the importance of consistency and commitment.

Meditation and psychedelic therapy can help individuals achieve a state of presence and flow, leading to improved well-being and performance. Meditating in the morning sets the tone for the day and helps synchronize oneself with the world. Microdosing psychedelics can enhance meditation and promote neuroplasticity, but it requires conscious effort and work to sustain the benefits. Psychedelic therapy is not for everyone and is more suitable for personal, professional, and spiritual development. The future of psychedelics lies in both medical and non-medical applications, with a focus on personal growth and connection.

Takeaways

• Learning to disconnect from an overactive mind and be present in the moment is important for overall well-being.

• The mind and the nervous system are interconnected, and chronic stress and trauma can have a significant impact on both.

• Holistic healing approaches, such as meditation, psychedelic therapy, and lifestyle changes, can help address the effects of chronic stress and trauma.

• Starting a meditation practice requires consistency and commitment, and it may take time to see meaningful benefits. Meditation helps individuals achieve a state of presence and flow, leading to improved well-being and performance.

• Meditating in the morning sets the tone for the day and helps synchronize oneself with the world.

• Microdosing psychedelics can enhance meditation and promote neuroplasticity, but it requires conscious effort and work to sustain the benefits.

• Psychedelic therapy is not for everyone and is more suitable for personal, professional, and spiritual development.

• The future of psychedelics lies in both medical and non-medical applications, with a focus on personal growth and connection.

Neil Markey is the co-founder and CEO of Beckley Retreats, the world’s only psychedelics retreat program backed by 25 years of scientific research and an ecosystem of expertise that honors global wisdom traditions. A former Captain in the US Army Special Operations 2nd Ranger Battalion, Neil served in Iraq and Afghanistan before studying at Columbia University, where he struggled with depression and PTSD. This led him to explore mindfulness and psychedelics as part of his healing journey. Prior to Beckley, he was Chief Growth Officer for a $450M private equity portfolio company and a consultant at McKinsey & Co. Neil believes in the synergy between science and spirituality.