Mindfulness and Psychedelics

The art of letting go ...

Mindfulness means paying attention to what is happening, without immediately judging it or trying to change it. Think of standing on a riverbank watching the water flow, rather than being swept along without noticing. Thoughts and feelings can be noticed in much the same way. This is a practice, not a state you have to maintain perfectly. NCCIH’s overview of mindfulness research.

During a psychedelic experience, anxiety, fear or difficult memories may arise. Sometimes gentle curiosity feels useful. Sometimes looking around the room, changing position or asking for support is more helpful. There is no requirement to lean further into distress.

If things get tough in a psychedelic journey, mindfulness might help. Anxiety, fear, thought loops or difficult memories can be overwhelming. You might notice what is happening, feel your feet or breath, and ask for support. Gentle curiosity can be useful when it feels manageable. Distress is not proof that you are resisting incorrectly, and surrender is not a requirement. A familiar mantra may help you feel grounded.

You can practise with something ordinary: notice your feet on the floor, the sounds in the room or the feeling of a cup in your hand. You do not need to make yourself uncomfortable to learn. If focusing inward makes you feel worse, stop and try something more grounding. Mindfulness can have unwanted effects for some people. Stop if it is making things worse.

Take home points:

1. Certain aspects of the psychedelic experience can be challenging and mindfulness might help you to get through it.

2. Mindfulness may help you relate differently to difficult thoughts and feelings. It cannot guarantee relief. If distress increases, grounding, support and professional help when needed are valid responses.

3. Changes in the sense of self, memories and emotions can feel profound. You do not need ego dissolution to make an experience worthwhile, and a vivid memory is not necessarily an accurate one.

4. Beyond helping during a psychedelic experience, mindfulness can be an important foundational skill for the integration that follows. It can help with self-awareness of habits, patterns, attachments and reactions that may or may not be serving you well.

How could I learn to be mindful or start a meditation practice? 

• Try two minutes, if that feels manageable. Sit comfortably and notice. When you realize you have been lost in thought, gently return your attention. That coming back is the practice. You do not need to empty your mind or achieve a particular feeling.
• Now set a timer. Sit comfortably and just notice the breath: the inhalation, the space between the inhalation/exhalation, and finally the exhalation. Don't try to control it, let it be as is.
• As a next step, try bringing these skills into your day-to-day activities.
• You can find free guided meditations at UCLA Health.
• Other good resources for beginners, and for those who are experienced, are Sam Harris, Tara Brach, Sharon Salzberg, Joseph Goldstein, and Jack Kornfield. 
• Our Entheo psychedelic coaches can help you build this skillset.

Can technology help me? Are there any apps?

• There are many great apps to choose from. Whichever app you choose, consider starting with a multi-day introductory course to learn the foundations. 
• If an app helps you practise, choose one whose style suits you. You do not need a paid app to get started.

Evidence reviewed: September 27, 2026.

See Basic Psychedelic Neuroscience for what research can and cannot explain.