The Window of Opportunity
Wouldn’t you seize the opportunity if you knew that the current circumstances in that exact moment were at their most favorable? That at that fragile glimpse in time, you were completely open to receiving that in which you may not typically be open to admitting. With speeds of 25,000 mph to 160,000 mph, you only have a few seconds to make a wish on a shooting star. But what if you knew the shooting star was coming?
When Opportunity Knocks
A window of opportunity is a small period of time where conditions are at their best. This chance is often brief, so acting promptly and deliberately will prove to be necessary if one wants to utilize this critical time. In most cases, the opportunity won’t knock twice. Many let these chances go by unrecognized, and lose the possibility of ever achieving their desired outcome. You may have connected popular examples of windows of opportunities being harvesting seasons, a blowout sale, a job offer, or investing in the stock market. Oftentimes, the feeling of missing out can occur after the window has closed. The chances we didn’t take could result in one having to pay full price for an item a couple of days after they had seen it on sale. These few examples only cover a vast variety of possible situations where a window of opportunity could present itself, and our response could determine a desired or undesired outcome, depending on the choice we make. Similarly, this transient window occurs in psychedelic use as well.
Psychedelics can lead to a period of mind plasticity. This means that psychedelics can support the brain’s ability to change and adapt through a trait called neuroplasticity. The growing body of research on psychoactive substances like psilocybin, DMT, and ketamine suggests that psychedelics promote structural changes in the brain. A 2017 study conducted by Dr. Carhart-Harris, Head of Psychedelic Research at Imperial, revealed that patients suffering from depression showed reduce symptoms within weeks after taking psilocybin. Moreover, Harris’ patients reported that succeeding their hallucinogenic experiences, they felt as if their brain had “reset”. Followed by several brain imaging studies, Harris stated, “we have been able to provide a window into the after-effects of psilocybin treatment in the brains of patients with chronic depression.”
The leading theory regarding ketamine is that it may stimulate the regrowth of synapses in the brain effectively allowing neurons to rewire their connections. Unlike other psychedelics, rather than affecting serotonin or dopamine, ketamine acts on glutamate, which is the most common chemical messenger in the brain. Glutamate plays a vital role in the synapses involved in learning and memory, which is why researchers believe it has the ability to “rewire” the brain. Though, there is more research needing to be done to fully support this theory.
Anecdotal reports suggest psychedelics may increase self-awareness, enhance compassion, produce shifts in perspective, mental clarity, and more. Additionally, a study conducted this year explains the mood-enhancing effects of some psychedelics post-experience. It is clear that there is a short window of opportunity after these psychedelic experiences where the mind is most receptive. This time can prove very beneficial for the growth and development of the journeyer and answering the door when this opportunity knocks has the potential to positively impact the post-psychedelic experience.
Using This Time Wisely
At this point, you understand the immediate effects on the brain after psychedelic use but how can you use this opportunity to your advantage? The period following a psychedelic experience is the time when integration work is most powerful. Integration is the process of gaining insight from a transcendental experience in means to achieve growth. It's supported many to inherit meaning, insight, and awareness of their psychedelic experience. The process of integration isn’t just for those seeking understanding from a “negative” or unexpected trip, but rather integration guides the experiencer down the path towards the further embodiment of their experience.
Utilizing integration when conditions are most favorable when the brain is more open to receiving, can improve mind-altering experiences. We believe part of growing is continuously changing how we define ourselves. Integration and reflection after a journey, along with set and setting, has proven to support lasting personal growth. Using this valuable time after a psychedelic experience to your advantage will only further provide mental sustenance.
Making A Wish
The window of opportunity presents itself after a psychedelic experience. If this time isn’t taken to reflect and gain a deeper understanding of oneself, then it’s a promising chance for personal growth that one may let slip between one's fingers. After a psychedelic journey, the brain’s possible ability to modify its connections or re-wire itself would be the most opportune moment for integration. The potential of psychedelics supporting neuroplasticity suggests this time proceeding use should not be overlooked.
Recognizing this window, acknowledging its significance, and acting accordingly could continue the transtheoretical influence of a mind-expanding experience. As the shooting star flashes by in front of our eyes, we only are given a few seconds to make a wish. If you know the star is coming, and you’ve come prepared with a wish in mind, it’s inevitable that the wish is granted. The only thing stopping it from coming true is the chance you didn’t take.
If you connected with the above write-up, are curious, and need some guidance, psychedelic medicines such as Ketamine can really support this process of healing, self-discovery, and purpose. Click below to find out more.
Author: Bre Jenkins
Bre Jenkins, a certified health coach, previously worked in mainstream wellness before shifting her focus to energy healing and psychedelic medicine to support deep healing and personal expansion. She is certified in Reiki levels 1, 2, and 3, as well as Inner Dance and Psychedelic Integration. Her work has been featured in major publications, and she is also a significant voice in the psychedelics space, contributing to renowned psychedelic companies such as Doubleblind Mag, Third Wave, The Ancestor Project, and more.