Toward the Enlightened Self: How Mindfulness and Psychedelics Relate to Self-Transcendence and Connectedness
October 16, 2025 preprint DOI: 10.31234/osf.io/qkvsh_v1 via OpenAlex
Summary
Mindfulness practice and psychedelic experiences are linked to increased self-transcendence and nondual awareness among participants. The study involved 1,164 individuals from various countries, with ego dissolution acting as a significant mediator between these practices and nondual awareness. Additionally, ecological awareness was positively related to a self-transcendent orientation. These findings highlight the complex nature of spiritual experiences and the importance of diverse research methods.
Study at a glance
| Design | observational cohort |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1,164 |
| Population | international participants, primarily from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Poland |
| Key finding | Mindfulness practice and psychedelic experiences were positively associated with self-transcendence and nondual awareness. |
Abstract
Objective. Spirituality and religiosity have long been associated with experiences that transcend ordinary self-awareness, often described as mystical union or nondual awareness. This study examines the concept of the “enlightened self” as a transcendent ideal, focusing on the role of mindfulness practice and psychedelic experiences in fostering self-transcendence, nondual awareness, and ecological connectedness.Method. A total of 1,164 participants (668 men, 433 women, and 63 other) were recruited internationally, primarily from the United States (n = 502), Canada (n = 67), the United Kingdom (n= 59), and Poland (n = 50). They completed validated self-report measures of mindfulness traits, contemplative practice frequency and duration, lifetime psychedelic use and intensity, ego dissolution, self-transcendence, nondual awareness, and ecological awareness. Analyses included correlational, regression, and mediation models.Results. Mindfulness practice and psychedelic experiences were positively associated with self-transcendence and nondual awareness. Ego dissolution emerged as a significant mediator linking both practices with nondual awareness. Ecological awareness was also positively associated with self-transcendent orientation.Conclusions. Findings suggest that mindfulness and psychedelics may contribute to experiences of self-transcendence and ecological connectedness. These phenomena remain complex to define and study, underscoring the need for multimethod approaches to capture their depth and diversity.