Toward the Enlightened Self: How Mindfulness and Psychedelics Relate to Self-Transcendence and Connectedness

Mindfulness practice and psychedelic experiences are both linked to self-transcendence and nondual awareness, with ego dissolution acting as a key mediator in these connections. Ecological awareness also relates to a self-transcendent orientation. The findings suggest that these practices may foster a sense of expanded self and connection to the world, though the phenomena remain complex and require diverse research methods.

Study at a glance

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.