I woke up. I brushed my teeth, gargled, and took my microdose. Four days on, one day off, for the past eight weeks now. At this point, I’m supposed to give you an interesting hook. I’ll be honest: it’s your attention, and it’s one of the most valuable things you have. So please be mindful where you spend it. However, if you’re considering a microdose course, I may have some insights to offer.
There is a concept in Africa called ‘Sankofa,’ which literally means ‘go back and get it.’
It represents the idea of learning from the past to build a better future. If you’re contemplating a microdose course for your future, you can undoubtedly benefit from looking at the past.
I wish I could rewind eight weeks – or at least that I had started writing this eight weeks ago. That way, I could provide you with a more present, honest view of my mental space back then. There has been a 100% transformation. However, I am no longer there, so I can't accurately describe what that transformation was. I remember being quite depressed, and a lack of focus was the key phrase that kept coming up. There was perhaps fear – ugh – it was a lot. But let’s not pretend I’m writing to tell you about a magical transformation or that Psilocybin was a magical cure. We're not doing that, right?
Let’s start with the basic building blocks: the science stuff.
Chemical Structure: Psilocybin (C12H17N2O4P) has a chemical structure similar to serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter in the brain that plays a key role in mood regulation, sleep, and various cognitive functions.
Okay, whoa, that makes sense. A mood enhancer. I remember once discovering that, in terms of mental health, one of the most impactful things we can do as humans is to cultivate a positive and proactive mindset.
But I dislike ideas without action. Consider social media motivational content. You know when you doom scroll and it feels so good, and then you stop and feel empty? Urgh, it’s so cheap. Motivational thoughts are a dime a dozen (meaning they’re everywhere), and sometimes I wonder how much good they actually do.
So, what good does a mood enhancer actually do?
Well, I’m writing this blog post because my friend asked me to, eight weeks ago. Coming out of depression takes time. It takes time, but it does happen. Space opens up for action, for doing – beautiful action. And I feel good doing this. So, that’s a thing.
I wake up, brush my teeth, gargle, and take my microdose.
There is a concept called habit stacking: you place your microdose next to your toothbrush because you already have the habit of brushing your teeth. When you perform the habit that is already automatic, you are naturally reminded to do the new habit. The new habit ‘stacks’ on top of the automatic one. It works. You can certainly learn that from my past eight weeks.
Eight weeks ago, I was depressed. Since then, I have traveled to Africa, visited three countries, started a business, and helped my Mom start a meditation routine. I feel much better mentally and emotionally. My routine is better, and I'm not so hard on myself when I stay up late or eat the wrong things. I think that’s pretty good, right? I’m not saying that the microdose was the only part of this transformation, but it played a key role, that’s for sure. I was stuck, and I became unstuck. This was part of getting me started.
Maybe brushing my teeth is a good metaphor. If you want good teeth, brushing is not the only part. You have to floss, eat less sugar, drink less coffee, drink more water, stress less, stop grinding, and so on – it’s a lifestyle. But maybe it starts with brushing. Eight weeks ago, I wanted to become unstuck and write more, so it started with changing my mood.
So here’s an easy interpretation: decide what you want to change, start a microdosing course to enhance your mood, build a routine, wait, be patient, and let the change happen.
Respect the ‘medicine’ – psilocybin in a microdose can enhance your mood. In large doses, it can be a hallucinogen (which means don’t take too much at once and go to work). Consult your doctor; don’t take this blog post as medical advice – it’s not. It’s a ‘sankofa’ – a reflection meant for entertainment purposes.
Dip your toe in the water, don’t burn down the house. Respect your body, mind, and well-being. We’re currently being given space to explore. Science is opening back up to ‘plant medicine,’ and so is society and business. But if we abuse it, don’t be surprised if they turn around and restrict it again.
Here’s a deeper interpretation: take your time and be patient. Take small doses consistently. And hope for change, wait for change – it will come. Don’t overdo it, don’t be impatient. Don’t rush. Go slow. My microdose course is three months – four days on, one day off, one microdose a day. Two months in, and the change suddenly arrived. One month to go to integrate the change. I didn’t overdo it, I was patient, I didn’t rush, and here the change is.
That’s my Sankofa. Tomorrow morning – I’ll wake up, brush my teeth, gargle and take my microdose.
