The way of O: phenomenology of psychedelic use and the path to ultimate reality
Psychodynamic Practice June 24, 2024 Christopher W. T. Miller 1 citation
A renewed interest in psychedelics for psychiatric conditions highlights experiences of awe, connectedness, and spiritual transformation, often described as among the most significant in life. Users may feel they encounter absolute truth and a deeper reality, akin to Wilfred Bion's concept of 'O', which denotes contact with absolute truth through intuitive awareness beyond cognitive knowing. The state of surrender and transcendence of cognitive, sensory-bound reality is key to such mystical experiences. This paper outlines the neurophenomenology of psychedelic use and the concept of O, drawing parallels between psychedelic-induced insight and the reshaping of perspectives that occurs in psychoanalysis or psychodynamic therapy.